Taiwan finalizes 6 US weapons deals worth $6.6B
Photo: The country will purchase, among other things, HIMARS systems (Getty Images)
The Taiwanese government has signed six major arms procurement agreements with the United States worth over $6.6 billion (NT$208.77 billion), according to Focus Taiwan.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense on the government’s electronic procurement system, the contracts were signed this month.
Among these agreements are the purchase of HIMARS systems for NT$123.5 billion, M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers for NT$73.89 billion, and the replenishment of the army’s missile arsenal for NT$5.32 billion.
The remaining three contracts include:
- $5.13 billion for anti-tank missiles for the Navy
- $910.45 million for joint Taiwanese-American production of large-caliber ammunition
- $22.87 million for consulting services related to an integrated air defense system.
The agreements were finalized after Taiwan’s military announced that the US had agreed to allow Taipei to defer payments for the purchase of 82 HIMARS launchers and 60 M109A7 systems.
The delay was caused by the opposition-controlled parliament’s failure to pass a special defense budget proposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which was intended to partially fund these purchases.
Taiwan ready to defend itself
On New Year’s Eve 2026, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that his country is determined to defend its sovereignty and strengthen its defenses in the face of China’s growing expansion, following Beijing’s missile strikes on the island as part of military exercises.
He emphasized that 2026 would be a decisive year for Taiwan, so the country must prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
