US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion

"The eight arms sales agreements announced Wednesday cover 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS, and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS similar to what the U.S. had been providing Ukraine during the Biden administration to defend itself from Russia worth more than $4 billion. They also include 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment worth more than $4 billion and drones valued at more than $1 billion."

"Other sales in the package include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million. In separate but nearly identical statements, the State Department said the sales serve "U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.""

A more than $10 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, drones, and related support equipment. The package covers 82 HIMARS rocket systems, 420 ATACMS missiles valued over $4 billion, 60 self‑propelled howitzers and related equipment worth over $4 billion, and drones valued at more than $1 billion. Additional items include military software over $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts and Harpoon refurbishment kits. The sales are described as supporting Taiwan’s defense modernization, maintaining a credible defensive capability, political stability, military balance, and economic progress. U.S. federal law obligates assistance for Taiwan’s self-defense, and the package is expected to inflame tensions with China.

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