The United States has approved the sale of spare parts for fighter jets, radar systems, and communications equipment to Taiwan in a deal worth $385 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Friday. Although Washington does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it remains the island’s primary supporter and largest arms supplier.
The sale includes components for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems, consisting of equipment from existing US military stocks, valued at approximately $320 million. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025. The DSCA stated that the sale would support Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain a credible defensive capability. “This proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the F-16 fleet,” the agency said.
In addition, a separate sale of follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications system is valued at $65 million. These sales were approved by the US State Department, and the DSCA notified Congress on Friday.
China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, has consistently opposed US arms sales to the island. The announcement of these deals comes as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te was preparing to depart on Saturday for a trip to three Pacific island allies, with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense expressed its gratitude for the latest arms sales, stating that the equipment would help maintain the combat readiness of its F-16 aircraft and strengthen its air defense capabilities. “Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership,” the ministry said in a statement.
This marks the 18th time the Biden administration has approved arms sales to Taiwan, according to the foreign ministry. Taiwan is focused on bolstering its defenses in response to China’s increasing military pressure and tactics of “grey zone harassment,” which involve actions that fall short of direct conflict but are designed to undermine Taiwan’s security.
China has significantly ramped up its military activities around Taiwan, with frequent deployments of fighter jets and warships near the island.
