TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US is evaluating the feasibility of allowing Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology to assemble and produce Stinger missiles, according to a senior Taiwanese military official.
As NCSIST has made breakthroughs in missile technology, the US plans to send a team to Taiwan next year to asses technical capacity, production capabilities, and cybersecurity measures for assembling the 1,985 Stinger missiles it previously ordered, Liberty Times reported. If the institute meets US certification standards, production could begin in Taiwan as early as 2026, with deliveries made in batches each year. This would significantly speed up the delivery process.
Taiwan’s Army and Navy each ordered 250 Stinger missiles in 2019 and 2015, respectively. Delivery will be completed by 2025.
However, Taiwan’s forces urgently require more effective countermeasures and deterrence, prompting the Army to order 1,985 more Stinger missiles from the US for approximately US$1.73 billion (NT$55.54 billion).
According to the Ministry of National Defense’s 2025 budget report, the Army will procure 549 launch systems and 549 identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems. The missiles are expected to be delivered by 2031.
NCSIST said the military’s additional procurement of Stinger missiles involves investment decisions that do not involve the institute. However, NCSIST is optimistic about participating in joint production and manufacturing, it said.
The possibility of producing US-designed missiles comes as NCSIST has expressed an interest in joining the international drone supply chain through co-production, joint development, or providing key components.
The institute recently said it aims to collaborate with international companies in drone production and supply chains to align with Taiwan’s goal of building a "democratic drone supply chain."