United States confirms US$700 million NASAMS sale to Taiwan amid rising regional tensions

taiwan: The United States has confirmed the sale of an advanced air defence missile system to Taiwan worth almost US$700 million.

According to a statement from the Pentagon, the package includes National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units designed to strengthen Taiwan’s medium-range air defence capabilities.

The announcement marks the second weapons package approved for Taiwan within a week, following a US$330 million authorisation for fighter jet and aircraft parts.

Taipei expressed gratitude for the continued support, while Beijing issued objections.

The NASAMS system, produced by RTX, has seen extensive use in Ukraine.

It is credited with bolstering defences against Russian missile and drone attacks, increasing international demand.

The Pentagon said the contract is a firm fixed-price procurement arrangement.

Work is expected to be completed by February 2031, with US$698,948,760 in Fiscal 2026 foreign military sales funds obligated.

Taiwan is set to receive three NASAMS batteries as part of an earlier US$2-billion weapons sale.

In the Indo-Pacific region, Australia and Indonesia are currently the only operators of the system.

The sale comes as tensions intensify between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, a position rejected by Taiwan’s government.

Japan reported that Chinese coast guard vessels sailed near disputed islands in the East China Sea on Sunday.

Tokyo also scrambled fighter aircraft on Saturday after a Chinese drone flew between Taiwan and Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost island.

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo urged restraint when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

“China should abandon its thinking of using force to resolve things,” he said.

Taiwan continues to strengthen its defence posture.

Efforts include the construction of indigenous submarines aimed at protecting critical maritime supply routes.

China’s military has operated around Taiwan on a near-daily basis.

Taipei views these activities as part of a “grey zone” strategy intended to exhaust its forces without triggering open conflict.

The United States, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is bound by domestic law to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities.

This longstanding policy consistently draws protest from Beijing.

The latest arms package reinforces Washington’s commitment to Taiwan during a period of heightened regional uncertainty.

It also signals a continuing shift in military preparedness across the Indo-Pacific.