Washington, October 25 (CNA) The United States government announced on Friday its decision to approve the potential sale of radar turnkey systems and surface-to-air missile systems to Taiwan worth approximately US$1.988 billion.
This is the 17th time that US President Joe Biden’s administration has approved arms sales to Taiwan, and the fifth since Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections on January 13.
The latest package of arms sales to Taiwan includes AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78 radar turnkey systems and related equipment, with an estimated cost of US$828 million, according to the Department of Defense and Security. The Department of Security and Cooperation (DSCA) said in a press release.
The system will improve Taiwan’s “ability to address current and future threats by providing a multi-mission ground radar solution for medium- and long-range aerial surveillance,” DSCA added.
DSCA said in a separate press release that the items in the arms sale also include a national advanced surface-to-air missile system and related equipment, with an estimated value of US$1.16 billion.
It added that the system will contribute to Taiwan’s ability to protect its airspace, ensure regional security and increase interoperability with the United States.
In Taipei, the Presidential Office issued a statement expressing gratitude to the US government for supporting Taiwan’s defense forces in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Guarantees. Under the law, the United States pledges to provide Taiwan with the weapons it needs to defend itself.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (Ministry of Defense) said the weapon would strengthen its defense capabilities in light of the People’s Liberation Army’s frequent military operations in the Taiwan Strait.
For example, the missile system has proven effective in helping Ukraine fight Russian forces in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the Pentagon says it will strengthen Taiwan’s military’s overall air defense capabilities. said in a statement.
The system is equipped with automatic detection, fire control command, and information integration capabilities, the Pentagon said in a statement.
DSCA said it has notified the U.S. Congress of the potential sale.
Once the sale is notified to Congress, the sale will be subject to a 30-day parliamentary review period. If Congress gives the green light, the U.S. government would send a formal offer and letter of acceptance to Taiwan.
This begins the process that culminates in the signing of the final contract and terms of delivery. As of Friday, there was no indication how long the process would take.
(Written by Shih Hsiu-chuan, Wu Shuwei, Lee Hsin-ying)
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