TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stalled government budget is putting NT$78 billion (US$2.44 billion) in defense funding at risk and could delay delivery of HIMARS rocket systems, military officials warned Thursday.

The Ministry of National Defense said the budget, totaling NT$561.4 billion, has been stuck in the legislature for more than seven months, per Liberty Times. About 21% of the funds cannot be executed on schedule, threatening equipment procurement, maintenance, and fuel replenishment, per The Storm.

Yen Ming-te (嚴明德), head of the MND’s budget department, said NT$20 billion in deterrence funding is affected, including HIMARS rockets, Harpoon coastal defense missiles, F-16V support pods, and spare parts for Mirage fighters. Army Chief of Staff Chen Chien-yi added that delivery of the remaining 18 HIMARS systems could be delayed.

Asymmetric warfare programs are also at risk, with NT$41.5 billion covering Javelin and Stinger missiles, radar upgrades, and infrastructure projects. Funding for troop protection, NT$8.8 billion for training, equipment, and logistics, is likewise affected.

Personnel welfare programs, including barracks repairs and frontline support, could see delays, along with smaller allocations for contingency reserves and facility maintenance, Yen said.

Yen warned that budget delays could undermine international confidence in Taiwan’s defense readiness. He urged lawmakers to pass the budget promptly to prevent setbacks in defense development and safeguard Taiwan’s national security.