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3d ago

U.S. Notifies Congress of Record $11.1 Billion Taiwan Arms Package

The package focuses on mobile, precision systems to bolster Taiwan's asymmetric defense.

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A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is on display at a park during Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taichung, Taiwan July 12, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
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AICHUNG, TAIWAN - JULY 12: Soldiers of the 58th Artillery Command stand guard next to the HIMARS missile system that is mobilised to a tactical position, as part of the ongoing Han Kuang military exercise, in Taichung, Taiwan, on July 12, 2025. This is the first time for Taiwan to deploy the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to this year's biggest-ever annual Han Kuang military exercise, which can be equipped with multiple 227mm rockets, or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) that comes with a range of up to 300 kilometers. The 29 assets procured from the United States are part of Taipei's efforts to cope with escalating threats in the Taiwan Strait, as China has increased activities of the People's Liberation Army around the self-governing island. (Photo by Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The State Department sent eight proposed sales to Congress for review, a step that allows lawmakers to approve, modify, or block the deal.
  • The package includes 82 HIMARS launchers, 420 ATACMS missiles, 60 self-propelled howitzers, Altius loitering drones, Javelin and TOW missiles, military software, helicopter parts, and Harpoon refurbishment kits.
  • The proposed sale is one of Washington’s largest ever for Taiwan and follows a smaller November deal in President Donald Trump’s second term.
  • China’s foreign ministry condemned the move as destabilizing and warned that U.S. support for Taiwan would “backfire,” urging Washington to stop arming the island.
  • Taipei welcomed the notification and tied it to a proposed $40 billion multi‑year defense plan and goals to raise military spending above 3% of GDP next year and toward 5% by 2030.