The United States has approved the sale of spare parts for fighter jets, radar systems, and tactical communications equipment to Taiwan in deals valued at $385 million, according to a statement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Friday.
Although Washington does not
have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, it remains Taiwan’s most crucial
ally and largest arms supplier. The latest deals reinforce the US commitment to
supporting Taiwan’s defense capabilities amidst increasing military pressure
from China.
The first package, worth an
estimated $320 million, includes spare parts for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter
jets and radar systems. These parts will come from existing US military
stockpiles, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.
“This proposed sale serves US national,
economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing
efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive
capability,” the DSCA 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 deal valued at $65
million covers follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications
system, further strengthening Taiwan’s defense infrastructure. The sales were
approved by the State Department, with the DSCA notifying Congress on Friday, a
procedural requirement for arms transfers of this nature.
China, which views
self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly condemned US arms
sales to the island. The announcement of these deals coincided with Taiwanese
President Lai Ching-te’s plans to depart for a trip to three Pacific island allies,
including stopovers in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.
Taiwan’s defense ministry
expressed gratitude for the arms sales, stating that the equipment would help
enhance the combat readiness of its Air Force’s F-16 fleet and strengthen air
defense capabilities. “Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate
our security partnership,” the ministry said.
The foreign ministry noted that
this marks the 18th arms sale announcement to Taiwan under President Joe
Biden’s administration. In its statement, the ministry reaffirmed Taiwan’s
determination to bolster its defenses against China’s “military pressure and
grey zone harassment,” referencing tactics designed to destabilize the island
without triggering a full-scale conflict.
China has intensified military
activities around Taiwan in recent years, with near-daily incursions by fighter
jets and warships. On Saturday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 18
Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two balloons near the
island in the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am local time.
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