US to send Taiwan $2B in weapons, including system tested in Ukraine
Photo: missile launch from the Nasams air defense system (defense.hu)
The US has approved a potential $2 billion arms package for Taiwan, including the first delivery of an advanced air defense system that has undergone combat testing in Ukraine, reports Reuters.
The agency reports that the United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan, which China claims, with means for self-defense, despite the absence of official diplomatic relations, which continuously angers Beijing.
Currently, China is ramping up military pressure on Taiwan, including a new round of military exercises around the island conducted last week. This marks the second such exercise since Lai Ching-te took office as president of Taiwan in May 2024.
The Pentagon stated that the new sale includes missile and radar systems worth $1.16 billion. The primary contractor for the missile system will be RTX Corp.
"This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the statement said.
The Pentagon emphasized that the sale would help improve the recipient's security and contribute to "political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
The missile system sale includes the delivery of three medium-range NASAMS air defense systems, along with enhanced AMRAAM missiles with extended range for ground-to-air use.
Reuters reports that the NASAMS system has undergone combat testing in Ukraine and represents a significant enhancement of the air defense capabilities that the United States is exporting to Taiwan in response to rising demand for the system.
A source in the US government, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed the agency that NASAMS is a new weapon for Taiwan, as currently, only Australia and Indonesia operate it in the region.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense welcomed the announcement, noting the "proven" use of NASAMS in Ukraine and stating that it will assist Taiwan in ensuring air defense amid frequent military maneuvers by China.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's army is ramping up its arsenal to better counter any attack from China, including its own submarines to protect vital maritime supply lines.
The publication states that China regards Lai Ching-te as a "separatist" and dismisses his repeated calls for negotiations. Lai, in turn, rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty, asserting that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.
On Saturday, the Chinese government continued its attacks on the Taiwanese president, condemning his comments made on Friday on the sensitive frontline island, asserting that no "external force" can change Taiwan's future.
"There can be no future for 'Taiwan independence.' Taiwan's future lies in the complete reunification of the motherland," stated the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office.
It is worth noting that just over a week ago, China declared its desire for peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan but threatened that it would never renounce the use of force.
