The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $385 million military sale to Taiwan. The move reinforces its commitment to the island’s defense amid rising regional tensions.
The $320 million package focuses on maintaining Taiwan’s F-16 fleet and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. Announced on November 29, 2024, the deal includes essential spare parts, advanced radar systems, and crucial maintenance support. Deliveries are set to begin in 2025.
In an official statement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a part of the U.S. Department of Defense, emphasized that the equipment will help Taiwan “meet current and future threats by maintaining operational readiness.”
Meanwhile, an additional $65 million deal includes enhanced mobile subscriber equipment, with General Dynamics as the primary contractor.
“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” the DSCA statement reads.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. This equipment will be transferred from U.S. government stock. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale,” the DSCA concluded.
The recent announcement marks the 18th arms deal under President Biden’s administration. The U.S. has consistently supported Taiwan’s military modernization efforts, which began in 2019 with a request for 66 F-16V fighter jets worth $8 billion. To ensure operational readiness, Taiwanese pilots are currently undergoing specialized training in the U.S.
