Taiwan Bolstered: US Accelerates Delivery of Advanced Military Systems

Strengthening Defense: Key Equipment Boosts Taiwan's Deterrent Capabilities

The United States is expediting the delivery of critical military equipment to Taiwan, significantly enhancing the island nation's defense capabilities against potential aggression. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed that the delivery of procured military hardware has been accelerated, bolstering Taiwan's ability to deter threats.

A key component of this bolstered defense includes the arrival of 16 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) on January 7th. This represents a substantial upgrade to Taiwan's long-range strike capabilities. The defense package also encompasses 84 long-range guided missiles, 29 sets of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and 64 precision rockets, along with associated equipment and two training simulators, according to the MND's report to the legislature.

The procurement of this comprehensive defense package involved a budget allocation of NT$32.52 billion (US$1.08 billion), spread over the period from 2020 to 2027.

The ATACMS missiles, featuring a striking range of 300km, are being delivered in two phases. The initial phase included 64 missiles. While the report states that the first 16 arrived on January 7th, the remaining 48 are slated to arrive during the first quarter, indicating an expected completion of the delivery schedule.

Previously, eleven HIMARS sets and two training simulators were received on September 26th of the preceding year. Furthermore, an additional 18 HIMARS sets, 20 ATACMS, and 864 precision rockets are scheduled for delivery between the upcoming year and 2027.

To ensure timely delivery, project liaison officers from the MND are stationed in the United States, conducting bimonthly audits of production progress at US military arsenals. This rigorous oversight is designed to guarantee the on-schedule completion and delivery of the remaining equipment and ammunition between the next year and 2027.

In related news, the first batch of 38 M1 tanks and five missile launch vehicles from the shore-based Harpoon missile system have also been delivered to Taiwan, further solidifying the island's defensive posture.