Washington (Web Desk):
The United States has approved a landmark arms sale package worth $11.1 billion to Taiwan, marking the largest-ever weapons deal between the two sides. According to British news agency Reuters, the approval was granted on Wednesday under the administration of President Donald Trump, making it the second arms sale announcement to Taiwan during his current term.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated that the proposed package includes eight categories of weapons and military equipment, such as HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones, and various spare parts for defense systems.
The ministry said the United States continues to support Taiwan in maintaining its defense capabilities, rapidly developing a strong deterrence posture, and promoting an asymmetric warfare strategy, which it described as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region.
The arms sale is subject to approval by the US Congress, where Taiwan enjoys bipartisan support. In a separate statement, the Pentagon said the deal aligns with US national, economic, and security interests and will assist in modernizing Taiwan’s armed forces.
Taiwan has been restructuring its military at Washington’s urging to prepare for asymmetric warfare, focusing on advanced, cost-effective, and mobile weapons systems, particularly drones.
Reacting to the announcement, Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo thanked the United States for its support, reaffirming that Taiwan would continue defense reforms, strengthen national defense capabilities, and demonstrate its resolve to safeguard sovereignty.
Last month, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced an additional $40 billion defense budget for the period from 2026 to 2033, emphasizing that there would be no compromise on national security.