TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The United States on Friday announced arms deals for Taiwan, including a US$265 million (NT$8.64 billion) sale of communications equipment and a separate US$571.3 million (NT$18.64 billion) package of military aid.
The latter was announced by the White House, marking the third time the Biden administration used its presidential drawdown authority in Taiwan’s favor. The US did not reveal details about the package beyond military products and services, education, and training, per CNA.
The US$265 million deal is the 19th military supply package since the Biden administration took office in January 2020. In a news release, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the possible sale of “Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Modernization and related equipment.”
Taiwan had requested 309 communication systems labeled as “multifunctional information distribution system joint tactical radio systems variant 5” (MIDS JTRS V5), the statement said. Engineering, testing, and other activities were included to align the systems with Taiwan’s Patriot missiles, P-3 anti-submarine aircraft, and F-16 fighter jets.
The DSCA said the sale would speed up the modernization of Taiwan’s Advanced Tactical Datalink System, and enhance its communications and network security. The State Department also approved the sale of 16 MK 75 76 mm gun mounts valued at US$30 million, according to the DSCA.
The Ministry of National Defense thanked the Biden administration for its continued support under its “firm security guarantee,” but did not go into details about the contents, CNA reported. The two countries would continue to cooperate closely to maintain stability in the region, the ministry said.
