The United States has authorized a nearly $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which includes two radar upgrade packages and, for the first time, an advanced surface-to-air missile system tested in Ukraine.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the purchase on October 25, making it the largest single military sale to Taiwan under President Joe Biden's administration and the 17th overall since 2021.
“This proposed sale serves U.S. 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 DSCA said in a statement, adding that the deal would contribute to regional military balance and ensure interoperability between U.S. and Taiwanese forces.
Congress has been notified of the intended transaction, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, which governs arms sales to Taiwan. While the United States severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and shifted recognition to Beijing under its One China policy, Washington has maintained a strong unofficial connection with Taipei and has promised to assist it with the weapons it needs to defend itself.
The proposed arms deal, which Congress has 30 days to consider before it becomes final, consists of three components: the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), worth $1.16 billion, and two radar systems (AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78), for $828 million.
The NASAMS package contains three missile systems designed to provide medium-range air defense, enhancing Taiwan's ability to counter future attacks. It also has Sentinel radar systems, 123 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles with Extended Range, and additional fire control and tactical communication equipment. The DSCA stated that the sale will improve Taiwan's capabilities to protect its airspace and support regional stability.
“The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s capability to meet current and future threats by contributing to the recipient’s abilities to defend its airspace, provide regional security, and increase interoperability with the United States through its NASAMS program,” the DSCA said in a statement.
The radar improvements include the purchase of the AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 turnkey systems. These radar devices are meant to improve Taiwan's medium- to long-range air surveillance capabilities, which is crucial as tensions with China escalate. The United States Air Force will purchase these radars, which will also include training, replacement parts, and logistical support. The DSCA stated that Taiwan is expected to effortlessly integrate the new equipment into its armed forces, with no negative impact on US military preparedness.
The NASAMS system will require 26 US government representatives and 34 contractors to facilitate its deployment, but the radar modifications will not necessitate extra staff on the ground in Taiwan.
Raytheon, located in Andover, Massachusetts, will be the primary contractor for the NASAMS.
Taiwan's presidential spokesperson, Karen Kuo, thanked the US government for continuing to provide it with weapons, stating in a statement on Oct. 26 that the sale reflects the US's "unwavering" commitment to Taiwan's security.
“Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities as it works to maintain the rules-based international order, ensuring the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” Kuo said, adding that the sale is consistent with both the Taiwan Relations act and the so-called six assurances.
The six guarantees, formed during President Ronald Reagan's administration, include not placing an end date on military deliveries to Taiwan and not pressuring it to enter into talks with China. China views Taiwan as a renegade colony that must eventually be reunited with the mainland.
While Chinese authorities did not immediately respond to the proposed shipments, Beijing has regularly opposed US military sales to Taiwan, claiming they undermine China's sovereignty and exacerbate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
US officials argue that the shipments are defensive in nature and are consistent with longstanding US policy of providing Taiwan with the military systems it requires for self-defense.
The potential sale comes after China conducted war maneuvers last week, encircling Taiwan and practicing closing off vital ports and towns. Taiwanese officials reported a record one-day total of 153 Chinese aircraft, 14 naval warships, and 12 other ships.
