Official reports from the U.S. Department of Defense or Taiwanese government statements

U.S. Approves $385 Million Taiwan Arms Sale Including F-16 Parts, Deliveries Start 2025

Nov 30, 2024, 08:01 AM

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets, radars, and communication equipment to Taiwan, in deals valued at approximately $385 million, according to the Pentagon. The approval includes two separate sales: one for spare parts and support for F-16 aircraft and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars estimated at $320 million, and another for Improved Mobile Subscriber Equipment (IMSE) Follow-On Support and related equipment valued at $65 million. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the proposed sales would help improve Taiwan's security and maintain political stability and economic progress in the region. The sales are part of the U.S. commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances to support Taiwan's defense capabilities. General Dynamics, a key U.S. defense contractor, is involved in the deals. The announcement comes ahead of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's sensitive Pacific trip and is expected to draw criticism from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory.