US announces arms sales to Taiwan
Last Updated on October 27, 2024 5:55 am
The United States has announced a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan. The US State Department approved a package in this regard on Friday.
The British news agency Reuters reported on Saturday that the package also includes an advanced air defense missile system tested in Ukraine.
The United States is committed through a law to provide the country with means to defend itself, despite not having formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the new arms sale package includes $1.16 billion in missiles and radar systems. The cost is estimated at $828 million. The prime contractor for the missile system will be RTX Corp (RTX.net).
In a statement, the Pentagon said, “This proposed sale supports the recipient’s continued efforts to modernize the country’s armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability in the national, economic, and security interests of the United States.”
The statement added, “The proposed sale will help enhance the recipient’s security and maintain political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
The missile system includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which can be used to provide a medium-range air defense solution. The NASAMS system has been tested in the Ukraine war. It represents a significant increase in air defense capabilities. The United States is exporting it to Taiwan because of its demand.
A U.S. government source told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the NASAMS is a new weapon for Taiwan. Only Australia and Indonesia currently operate it in the region.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry welcomed the U.S. announcement. Citing the use of NASAMS in Ukraine, the country said it would help Taiwan’s air defense capabilities in the face of China’s frequent military maneuvers. Taiwan’s military is strengthening its arsenal to better counter any Chinese aggression, including building its own submarines to protect maritime supply lines in the South China Sea.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory. It has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan. China last week conducted a new round of war games around the island nation. It was the second such exercise since Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan’s president in May.