Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed the deal on December 1, 2023, under which it will acquire “air and surface weapons for combat aircraft.” The published information does not reveal exactly what the contract includes, but military analysts believe so
Recently upgraded Block 70 F-16V fighters are equipped with modern missiles.
The two parties concluded the agreement on November 13, which entered into force on that day. Its term extends to 9 years, until November 30, 2023. Taipei reported in January that the island’s military was seeking to acquire the AGM-158 JASSM low-detection air-launched cruise missile with a range of 370 kilometers, as well as the long-range AGM-158 JASSM. Thus, it can be effective at a distance of up to 1,000 km.
According to Taiwanese lawmaker Fang Ting-ju, the acquisition is necessary to increase “deterrence.” The current political leadership on the island fears that China will launch an invasion to occupy the territory, so they are trying to accumulate sufficient quantity and advanced weapons so that they can resist any possible attack.
When it comes to procurement, one of its largest partners is the United States, which has long competed with Beijing for the role of global hegemony.
The first page shows a Taiwanese Air Force F-16. Cover image credit: Annabelle Cheah/Getty Images
