TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Legislative Yuan on Friday passed the opposition-backed NT$780 billion (US$24 billion) special defense budget in a vote by 59 against 51.

The DPP government had proposed a NT$1.25 trillion budget, while initially the TPP tabled a NT$400 billion package and the KMT submitted a NT$380 billion proposal. The KMT was later divided between supporters of their original version and an NT$800 billion program.

The final proposal was a NT$780 billion package backed by both KMT and the TPP. A first phase of arms procurement from the US has a maximum limit of NT$300 billion, with a second phase carrying a ceiling of NT$480 billion, per CNA.

The budget plan specify the procurement of HIMARS rocket systems, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, anti-armor drone missile systems, and Javelin and TOW anti-tank guided missiles under the first phase.

The second phase of the approved plan covers other systems the US is expected to offer within one year after the budget takes effect. The list includes anti-ballistic missile systems, low- and medium-altitude air defense systems, soft- and hard-kill counter-drone systems, and the replenishment of anti-tank guided missiles.