The United States has officially authorized the transfer of a cutting-edge missile defense system to Taiwan valued at nearly $700 million, marking the second major arms package within a single week and bringing total recent commitments to $1 billion. This advanced technology has proven its effectiveness on the battlefields of Ukraine against Russian aggression, providing Taiwan with combat-validated protection against aerial threats. The announcement reinforces Washington’s unwavering dedication to supporting Taiwan’s defensive capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System represents a significant enhancement to Taiwan’s air defense infrastructure, offering medium-range protection manufactured by defense contractor RTX. Within the broader Indo-Pacific theater, only Australia and Indonesia currently deploy this sophisticated system. Taiwan is set to receive three complete units as part of a comprehensive $2 billion weapons agreement announced last year, introducing an entirely new defensive capability to the island’s military arsenal.
According to Pentagon documentation, RTX has been awarded a firm fixed-price contract for the procurement and delivery of these NASAMS units, with completion anticipated by February 2031. The contract draws upon fiscal year 2026 foreign military sales funds specifically allocated for Taiwan, totaling $698,948,760. The extended timeline reflects the complexity and scale of manufacturing and deploying these advanced defense systems, which have demonstrated exceptional performance in high-intensity combat environments.
The de facto U.S. ambassador in Taipei emphasized the durability of American support during an address to business leaders on Tuesday. “America’s commitments to Taiwan are rock solid and will remain clear into the future,” he stated, noting that Washington backs its diplomatic assurances with concrete actions focused on helping Taiwan achieve stability through defensive strength. He highlighted growing defense industrial cooperation as particularly evident proof of this partnership, with the NASAMS sale representing a tangible example of this deepening relationship.
This latest approval follows closely on the heels of Thursday’s authorization for $330 million in fighter jet and aircraft components, representing the first such transaction since the current administration took office in January. The consecutive deals have drawn gratitude from Taipei while provoking sharp criticism from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory despite the island government’s rejection of such claims. Taiwan continues modernizing its military through indigenous submarine construction and other initiatives, while facing near-daily Chinese military activities in surrounding waters that officials characterize as pressure tactics designed to test and exhaust defensive forces.