TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will receive all shipments of TOW 2B anti-tank missiles it purchased from the U.S. by the end of 2024, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Monday (June 17).

Taiwan ordered 1,700 TOW missiles and 100 launchers in 2015 that were scheduled for delivery in 2022, but did not receive any of them, CNA reported. Koo said that the first batches previously failed U.S. Army evaluations, but have since been approved, and all missiles are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The sale totaled approximately US$268 million (NT$8.66 billion). 

Koo said the TOW missiles are one of the three large delayed U.S. arms deliveries. The other two are the F-16Vs and AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons. Two prototype F-16s are expected to be delivered for flight tests before the year’s end and Taiwan has requested the U.S. to complete all deliveries by the end of 2026, Koo said.

The TOW 2B anti-tank missile features a "top attack" capability, which allows it to target armored vehicles or bunkers. It can also be used during anti-landing operations to destroy incoming landing craft. The missile is a significant boost to Taiwan’s goal “to develop an integrated ground defense capability,” according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.