The United States government has authorized the potential sale of more than 1,000 new FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles to equip the Taiwanese Army. The State Department notification, part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and valued at US$375 million, adds to other recent sales to the Taiwanese government totaling billions of dollars.
FGM-148 Javelin – U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola
The recent authorization granted by Washington seeks to further strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities. This is evidenced by the recent approval to proceed with the sale of new M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, HIMARS high-mobility artillery systems, along with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and thousands of ALTIUS loitering munitions. Also a logistics support package for the Taiwanese Army’s fleet of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters is listed.
Following a report on December 17 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Taiwanese government requested the purchase of 1,150 FGM-148F anti-tank missiles, along with 60 new Light Command and Launch Units (LwCLUs).
The deal, valued at US$375 million, would have as its main supplier the joint venture formed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, responsible for producing the anti-tank missiles and man-portable launchers that make up the system.
Finally, the State Department indicated that: “This proposed sale serves the national, economic, and security interests of the United States by supporting the recipient country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will contribute to enhancing the recipient’s security and helping to maintain political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
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