The US has approved the proposed sale of replacement parts for fighter jets and radar systems, as well as communications equipment, to Taiwan in transactions worth $385 million, a US agency announced Friday. While Washington does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, it remains the island’s most major patron and arms supplier.
The proposed sale of F-16 and radar system parts, which includes equipment from current US military supplies, is expected to be valued $320 million, according to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, with deliveries beginning in 2025. “This proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the Defence Threat Reduction Agency 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 sale of follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications system was valued at $65 million, according to the DSCA.
The deals were approved by the State Department, and the DSCA notified Congress on Friday. China maintains that self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has long resisted US weaponry supplies to the island. The purchases were revealed as Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, was scheduled to depart on Saturday for a trip to three Pacific island allies, including stops in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.
On Saturday, Taiwan’s defence minister “expressed gratitude” for the recent arms shipments. The components “will help maintain the combat readiness of the Air Force’s F-16 aircraft equipment and bolster our air defence,” according to a ministry statement.
“Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership.” The foreign ministry stated that it was the 18th time President Joe Biden’s administration has announced weaponry shipments to the island.
Taiwan was resolved to enhance its defences in the face of China’s military pressure and “grey zone harassment,” according to a statement, which refers to methods that do not constitute an act of war. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, deploying fighter aircraft and vessels almost daily around the island. Taiwan’s defence ministry said on Saturday that 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval boats, and two balloons were detected in the 24-hour period ending at 6:00 a.m.
