U.S. Approves $385 Million FMS Package to Taiwan Ahead of President Lai's Pacific Trip

Nov 30, 2024, 04:06 AM

The U.S. State Department has approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases to Taiwan totaling $385 million. The approvals, communicated through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), include $320 million for spare parts and support for F-16 fighter jets and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, and $65 million for follow-on support and related equipment for Improved Mobile Subscriber Equipment (IMSE) communications gear. The Pentagon announced the approvals ahead of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's upcoming Pacific trip. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the sales, stating that they reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The arms sales aim to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait.