In the lead-up to the presidential elections in the U.S. next month, the Biden administration has announced a significant military sale to Taiwan just ten days before voters head to the polls. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated on the 25th that the State Department has approved the sale of two long-range air defense radar systems, as well as the advanced ground-to-air missile system (NASAMS). The total value of these military sales is approximately $1.988 billion.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokesperson, Guo Yahui, remarked that this transaction marks the 17th arms sale to Taiwan since Biden took office in 2021 and represents the largest single sale during his administration. She emphasized that this move underscores the U.S. government’s firm commitment to Taiwan’s security, with Taiwan continuing to strengthen its defense capabilities to uphold a rules-based international order, ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the DSCA’s press release, the radar systems AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 will be sold to Taiwan, which includes spare parts and personnel training as part of logistical support, with an estimated total cost of about $828 million.
The DSCA further noted that this military sale will provide Taiwan with both medium- and long-range aerial reconnaissance capabilities, helping the island address current and future threats and improving its security. This, in turn, will contribute to maintaining regional political stability, military balance, and economic development.
Moreover, the agency disclosed that the advanced ground-to-air missile system, valued at $1.16 billion, will primarily be provided by Raytheon. The press release mentioned that Taiwan has requested to purchase three sets of the advanced ground-to-air missile system, which includes three AN/MPQ-64F1 systems and 123 missiles.
This missile system is currently being used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Ukraine purchased the missile systems from the U.S. in May last year, and during subsequent military assistance, Washington provided additional munitions. In June this year, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby announced that sales of the same system to allies would be paused to prioritize support for Ukraine’s needs.
The DSCA indicated that this arms sale will enhance Taiwan’s ability to defend its airspace, bolster regional security, and increase military interoperability with U.S. forces using NASAMS. This sale aligns with U.S. national, economic, and security interests and will aid Taiwan in modernizing its military, maintaining a reliable defense capability.
The Ministry of National Defense stated that in response to the frequent military activities by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army around the Taiwan Strait, the “advanced ground-to-air missile system” being sold is equipped with automated reconnaissance, fire distribution, and intelligence integration capabilities, which have been validated through real-world testing during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. These enhancements will improve the overall air defense operational effectiveness of Taiwan’s military. With the introduction of two new radar systems, the initiative will increase target detection rates and improve anti-jamming capabilities, allowing for flexible deployment of Taiwan’s existing medium- and long-range air defense forces to build a layered defense capability crucial for national security.
The Ministry reiterated that the U.S. government’s military sales to Taiwan, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, will assist Taiwan’s military in continuously enhancing its defense resilience, thereby preserving stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
