US approves arms sales to Taiwan, including air defense systems tested in Ukraine

The United States has approved a possible $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the Pentagon said on Friday, October 25. In particular, the island will receive for the first time an advanced air defense system that was used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend itself against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties and Beijing's displeasure, Reuters reports.

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has been ratcheting up military pressure on the island. Last week, it held a new round of military exercises near the island, the second since Lai Qingde took over as Taiwan's president in May.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the new deal would include $1.16 billion in missile systems and $828 million in radar systems.

RTX Corp. will be the prime contractor for the missile systems, the Pentagon said.

"The proposed sale is in the national, economic, and security interests of the United States by supporting the recipient's ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain a robust defense posture," the statement said. It also emphasized that the potential sale "will help enhance the recipient's security and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region.".

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The sale includes three NASAMS air defense missile systems and their AMRAAM missiles.

NASAMS System

NASAMS has been used by the Ukrainian military in the war in Ukraine and represents a significant expansion of the air defense capabilities the United States has exported to Taiwan.

A U.S. government source told Reuters on condition of anonymity that NASAMS was a new weapon for Taiwan. Only Australia and Indonesia currently operate it in the region, the source said.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry welcomed the U.S. announcement, noting the “proven” use of NASAMS in Ukraine. Taipei said it would help it provide air defense in the face of China's frequent military maneuvers.

China views Lai as a “separatist” and has rejected his repeated calls for talks. Lai rejects Beijing's claims to sovereignty over the island, arguing that only Taiwanese people can determine its future.

“The concept of 'Taiwan independence' has long been viewed as a form of 'unconventional' thinking.” there can be no future. The future of Taiwan is the complete reunification of the motherland,” the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China said in a statement released on Saturday, October 26.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga