TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The United States has approved a US$1.98 billion (NT$63.77 billion) arms sale to Taiwan, including surface-to-air missiles and radar systems, in the 17th and highest-priced weapons deal under the Biden Administration, reports said Saturday (Oct. 26).
The package included National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) valued at US$1.16 billion, and AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar systems worth US$828 million, per CNA. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) revealed the deal Friday (Oct. 25), with the State Department having approved the transaction.
The three NASAMS systems in the package also feature 123 AMRAAM-Extended Range missiles effective against drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles up to a distance of 50 kilometers. The radar systems will improve the military’s ability to acquire targets and counter interference, the Liberty Times reported.
The Presidential Office thanked the US for continuing to supply the weapons necessary for Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities to maintain basic regional stability, the office said in a statement.
A spokesperson noted the arms deal was the 17th and largest of its kind since the Biden Administration took office in early 2021. Once again, the US government was adhering to its security promises for Taiwan, the Presidential Office added.
