As Taiwan pursues ambitious indigenous submarine construction to defend vital maritime supply lines, the island has also secured a $700 million acquisition of advanced American air defense systems. The dual-track approach demonstrates Taiwan’s comprehensive strategy for military modernization through both domestic production and foreign procurement.
The Pentagon confirmed the sale of three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units manufactured by RTX, with work extending through February 2031. The platform, which has proven effective in Ukrainian combat operations against Russian threats, represents new defensive capability for Taiwan. The Pentagon allocated nearly $699 million from fiscal year 2026 foreign military sales funds specifically for Taiwan. This acquisition makes Taiwan the third Indo-Pacific nation to operate NASAMS, alongside Australia and Indonesia, fulfilling commitments from a comprehensive $2 billion defense package announced last year.
American diplomatic officials in Taiwan have reinforced the permanence of bilateral security commitments through emphatic public statements. The senior representative told business leaders that American support for Taiwan is “rock solid” and will endure regardless of political transitions. The official emphasized that commitments manifest through expanding defense industrial cooperation, supporting Taiwan’s goal of achieving peace through demonstrable strength.
Within the same week, the administration authorized a separate $330 million sale of fighter aircraft components and related parts. These two transactions combined represent $1 billion in approved military equipment within seven days. The fighter parts deal marked the first such authorization since the new administration took office in January, generating appreciation from Taipei while triggering criticism from Beijing.
Taiwan’s military is beefing up armaments to better tackle potential Chinese attack through comprehensive efforts including building its own submarines to defend vital maritime supply lines. Recent provocations include Chinese coast guard operations near disputed East China Sea islands and Chinese drone flights through sensitive airspace, prompting military responses. Taiwan’s defense minister has called on China to renounce military force in dispute resolution. China maintains sovereignty claims over Taiwan that the island’s government categorically rejects. Chinese military forces conduct near-daily operations around Taiwan in what Taipei describes as “grey zone” warfare designed to exhaust defensive resources. Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains legally bound to provide Taiwan with necessary defensive means, consistently drawing Beijing’s opposition.
