Amid ongoing tensions with China, Taiwan has reportedly confirmed the purchase of additional NASAMS air defense systems from the United States. This information comes from recent publications in Taiwan’s government procurement system, which mention the signing of contracts by government agencies valued at US$761.94 million for the acquisition of three systems.
The news was revealed earlier this week with the publication on Taiwan’s Government Electronic Procurement System, where the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Defense Mission in the U.S. signed a contract valid from January 14, 2025, to December 31, 2030. Various local media outlets have reported on the development, citing sources that confirmed the contract covers the purchase of three NASAMS air defense systems for the Taiwanese Air Force.
This operation, which formalizes Taiwan’s acquisition of the NASAMS, follows the U.S. State Department’s authorization in 2024. That authorization officially approved Taiwan’s request to purchase up to three NASAMS air defense systems, along with a batch of 123 AMRAAM-ER surface-to-air missiles and associated AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, for over US$1 billion. Prior to this, as early as April 2023, the U.S. government had been evaluating the sale of up to four NASAMS systems to the island’s government.
Considering this, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense stated in mid-January of this year that the local armed forces could receive the first NASAMS air defense system by late 2025, indicating progress in the procurement process. This acquisition aims to strengthen Taiwan’s short- and medium-range air defense capabilities in response to China’s near-daily military activities around the island.
Regarding deployment, local authorities have indicated that the NASAMS systems will be positioned to provide air coverage for Greater Taipei. One system will be deployed in the Songshan District and another in the Tamsui District of New Taipei, as both locations are crucial for defending the capital.
Currently, Taiwan’s armed forces operate several missile-based air defense systems, including domestically developed systems such as the Sky Bow II and III, as well as systems provided by the United States over past decades. The most significant of these U.S.-supplied systems is the Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries, which are in service with the Taiwanese Air Force.
About NASAMS
The NASAMS air defense system, developed through cooperation between Raytheon and Kongsberg, is a comprehensive short- and medium-range air defense solution. It integrates AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, fired from ground-based launchers, and is linked to the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar and a fire distribution center. As its adoption has expanded in various countries, the system has undergone upgrades and modernizations, allowing it to incorporate the latest missile versions and integrate new radars, such as the GhostEye MR sensor.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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