TAIPEI: America confirmed the sale to Taiwan of a complicated air defence missile system value nearly US$700 million, which has been battle-tested in Ukraine, within the second such weapons bundle for Taipei in every week.
Within the Indo-Pacific area, solely Australia and Indonesia now function the system, three of which the USA mentioned final 12 months Taiwan would obtain as a part of a US$2-billion weapons sale.
The Nationwide Superior Floor-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) medium-range air defence options, as they’re referred to as, are made by RTX and are a brand new weapon for Taiwan.
The Pentagon mentioned the corporate was given a agency fixed-price contract for procurement of the NASAMS models, with work estimated to be accomplished in February 2031.
“Fiscal 2026 overseas navy gross sales (Taiwan) funds within the quantity of US$698,948,760 have been obligated,” it mentioned in an announcement on Monday (Nov 17).
RTX didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Utilized in Ukraine to defend towards the Russian invasion, the NASAMS system presents a pointy increase in air defence capabilities that the USA is exporting to Taiwan as demand for it surges.
The US accepted the sale of fighter jet and different plane elements to Taiwan for US$330 million on Thursday, within the first such deal since President Donald Trump took workplace in January, prompting thanks from Taipei and anger in Beijing.
The arms gross sales information comes amid a worsening diplomatic disaster between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan, claimed by China as its personal territory, though the island’s authorities rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
On Sunday, Chinese language coast guard ships sailed by means of waters round a bunch of East China Sea islands managed by Japan however claimed by China.
