US approves sale of air defense and radar systems to Taiwan

26 October, 2024 NASAMS system launching an AMRAAM-ER missile. February 2024. Photo: Raytheon

The U.S. Department of State has approved the possible sale of anti-aircraft missile systems and radars to Taiwan. The relevant information was published on the official website of the Office of Military Cooperation of the US Department of Defense.

In accordance with a package of requests from the Taiwanese government, thus the State Department has approved the possible sale of NASAMS air defense systems. In total, Taiwan has placed a request for three NASAMS systems, including launchers and three AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel detection and targeting stations used by these systems.

NASAMS launcher with AIM-120D, AMRAAM-ER and AIM-9X missiles.

These systems will be the newest version, as they will be able to launch AMRAAM-ER long-range anti-aircraft missiles, which are also part of this shipment. In total, Taiwan's request included the sale of 123 AMRAAM-ER missiles, 2 guidance sections from the AMRAAM-C8 missile, and 4 multifunctional information units.

Additionally, the agreement includes the cost of the auxiliary information transmission systems, the Link 16 system, etc. The total value of this order is USD 1.16 billion. In addition to the air defense systems, the sale of long-range radar detection stations to Taiwan was approved.

AN/TPS-78 long-range detection radar station. Photo credits: Northrop Grumman.

Among the radar stations, Taiwan has placed a request for the purchase of AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 long-range detection radars manufactured by the American company Northrop Grumman. The number of radars ordered is not disclosed, but it is noted that the value of the agreement for their purchase was USD 828 million.

The radars will strengthen Taiwan's air defense and allow for the detection of air targets at a range of more than 400 km.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the United States had allocated £567 million for Taiwan's defense needs.