Second package in a week: US OKs $700mln missile systems to Taiwan
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The US approves a $700 million NASAMS missile system sale to Taiwan, reinforcing military cooperation and Indo-Pacific security amid tensions with China.
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Norwegian troops work on a NASAMS missile system launcher, Oslo, Norway, 22 April 2010 (Ovelse Seapie via Wikimedia Commons)
The United States has confirmed the sale of an advanced, Ukraine-battle-tested missile system to Taiwan valued at nearly $700 million, marking its second weapons package for Taipei within a week and bringing the total to $1 billion, while also reiterating Washington’s commitment to supporting the island.
In the Indo-Pacific region, only Australia and Indonesia currently operate the system, three units of which the United States said last year Taiwan would receive as part of a $2 billion weapons sale.
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), a medium-range air defense platform produced by RTX, represents a new addition to Taiwan’s arsenal. The Pentagon announced that the company received a firm, fixed-price contract to supply the NASAMS units, with the work expected to be finished by February 2031.
"Fiscal 2026 foreign military sales (Taiwan) funds in the amount of $698,948,760 were obligated," the Pentagon said in a Monday statement.
US vows 'rock-solid' support to Taiwan
Raymond Greene, the de facto US ambassador in Taipei, said at an American Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday that Washington’s commitment to Taiwan is steadfast now and will continue to be so in the future.
Greene added that the United States is demonstrating this commitment through concrete measures and by prioritizing support for Taiwan’s strategy of maintaining peace by strengthening its defenses. He also stated that this commitment is most evident in the expanding cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in the defense industry.
On Thursday, Washington approved a $330 million sale of fighter jets and other aircraft parts to Taiwan, its first such agreement since President Donald Trump took office in January, drawing thanks from Taipei and criticism from Beijing.
The announcement of these arms sales comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
The system at hand
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is a medium-range, networked air defense system jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and US defense contractor RTX (formerly Raytheon). It is designed to detect, track, and neutralize a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
NASAMS gained international recognition after being deployed in Ukraine, where it was credited with successfully intercepting Russian missile strikes. Its battlefield-proven reliability and modular architecture make it adaptable to various threat environments, including dense urban areas or complex terrain, enhancing its appeal to militaries worldwide.
In the context of a potential war between China and Taiwan, NASAMS holds strategic value for Taipei. With the threat of Chinese ballistic and cruise missile attacks in the event of a conflict, a robust and responsive air defense system is essential to protect key infrastructure, command centers, and population centers.
