US confirms sale of $700 million air defence missile system to Taiwan

The United States confirmed the sale to Taiwan of an advanced air defence missile system worth almost $700 million which has been battle-tested in Ukraine, in the second such weapons package for Taipei in a week.

Last year, the United States said Taiwan would receive three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) medium-range air defence solutions made by RTX as part of a $2-billion weapons sale.

It is a new weapon for Taiwan, with only Australia and Indonesia now operating it in the region.


On Monday, the Pentagon said the company was given a firm fixed-price contract for procurement of the NASAMS units, with work estimated to be completed in February 2031.

"Fiscal 2026 foreign military sales (Taiwan) funds in the amount of $698,948,760 were obligated," it said in a statement.

RTX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Used in Ukraine to defend against the Russian invasion, the NASAMS system offers a sharp boost in air defence capabilities that the United States is exporting to Taiwan as demand for it surges.

The U.S. approved the sale of fighter jet and other aircraft parts to Taiwan for $330 million on Thursday, in the first such deal since President Donald Trump took office in January, prompting thanks from Taipei and anger in Beijing.

Taiwan's military is bolstering its armaments to better tackle any attack from China, which views the island as its own territory, through efforts such as building its own submarines to defend vital maritime supply lines.

The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan the means to defend itself, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties, to the constant anger of Beijing.

Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.