Last December, the United States government authorized the sale of a support package for the maintenance and upkeep of Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied to the Taiwanese Armed Forces. This was revealed in one of the most recent authorizations issued by the State Department and submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval. The package also included M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, ATACMS ballistic missiles, and HIMARS artillery systems, as well as thousands of ALTIUS loitering munitions and hundreds of Javelin missiles.
Currently, while significant developments in this area are being listed, Taiwan is also moving forward with the acquisition of a substantial number of Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied by the United States. These primarily comprise versions for operation from land-based launch systems, as well as from ships and aircraft; the latter being the case with the F-16V fighter jets in service with the Taiwanese Air Force, which are modernized to the Block 70 standard.
Although the arrival of the missile systems has not been officially announced, sources on the island have been confirming, at least since 2019, the presence of different types of Harpoon missiles. One of the first indications was photographs of F-16 fighter jets deployed in exercises, which were armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, the version used for operation and firing from aircraft.
However, the bulk of current and future stockpiles of Harpoon anti-ship missiles, of which the United States is in the process of supplying up to 400 units, according to authorizations registered in 2020, are based on the RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II version, this being the variant used for launching from ships.
Furthermore, it should be noted that this package, authorized years ago and with deliveries slated to begin in 2024, also includes RTM-84L-4 training missiles, containers, one hundred Harpoon coastal missile transport and launch systems, and truck-mounted radars.
It should also be emphasized that Taiwan requested the purchase of up to sixty additional AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II missiles to equip its Block 70 upgraded F-16s.
Therefore, and according to the information published on December 17, 2025, by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Taiwanese government requested the purchase of a support package for the Harpoon missile systems, consisting of sustainment and maintenance equipment, valued at US$91.4 million.
Finally, the State Department stated: “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 help enhance the recipient country’s security and contribute to maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
They added: “The proposed sale will enhance the recipient country’s ability to address current and future threats by providing surface and maritime defenses aboard various ships in its inventory. The recipient country will have no difficulty integrating this equipment and associated services into its armed forces.”
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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