US Approves $385 million Arms Sales To Taiwan

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Friday that the United States has authorized the sale of $385 million worth of tactical communications equipment, radar systems, and fighter jet spare parts to Taiwan.

Despite not having official diplomatic ties with Taipei, Washington continues to be Taiwan’s most important ally and biggest supplier of weapons. In the face of mounting military pressure from China, the most recent agreements reaffirm the US commitment to bolstering Taiwan’s security capabilities.

The first package, believed to be worth $320 million, consists of radar equipment and replacement parts for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Delivery of these components is anticipated to start in 2025 and will come from the US military’s current stocks.

“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA stated. “The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient’s fleet of F-16 aircraft.”

A separate $65 million contract provides follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications system, boosting Taiwan’s defense infrastructure. The State Department approved the transactions, and the DSCA notified Congress on Friday, as is required for such arms transfers.

China, which regards self-governing Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly protested US weaponry supplies to the island. The announcement of these agreements coincided with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s preparations to leave for a trip to three Pacific island allies, including stops in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.

The arms sales were welcomed by Taiwan’s defense ministry, which said the weaponry will improve air defense capabilities and the combat preparedness of its Air Force’s F-16 aircraft. The ministry declared, “Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership.”

According to the foreign ministry, this is the 18th time that President Joe Biden’s administration has announced an arms sale to Taiwan. The ministry said in the statement that Taiwan is committed to strengthening its defenses against China’s “military pressure and grey zone harassment,” referring to strategies intended to cause instability on the island without starting a full-scale battle.

In recent years, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan, with fighter planes and warships making frequent intrusions. On Saturday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven navy vessels, and two balloons near the island in the 24 hours preceding 6:00 a.m. local time.