TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The military’s request to purchase additional Stinger missiles from the US needs to be reviewed and approved by the legislature before it can proceed, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Monday (Oct. 21).
The Navy ordered 250 Stinger missiles in 2015 and the Army 250 in 2019. However, Taiwanese 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 MND’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.
The Navy also plans to buy 45 man-portable Stinger missiles, 15 launch systems, and 15 IFF devices, scheduled for delivery by 2031. However, the military has not commented on whether these purchases are included in the Army’s procurement plan.
The MND said it is following protocol, CNA reported. The Army is negotiating the details of the potential purchase with the US to shorten the timeline and secure the weapons earlier, it said. The ministry said there has been no violation of legislative oversight in the matter.
Talks of purchasing additional Stinger missiles first came about under then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to meet air defense needs and prepare for more live-fire target practice as conscript service increased to one year.
