U.S. approves $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan

The approved arsenal includes 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), valued over $4 billion, similar to weapons supplied to Ukraine against Russian air attacks. Additionally, the package includes 60 self-propelled howitzers, drones, military software, Javelin and TOW missiles, helicopter parts, and Harpoon missile upgrade kits.

The Pentagon stated that the sale protects U.S. national security, economic, and strategic interests and helps Taiwan maintain credible defense capabilities. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense welcomed the sale, emphasizing strengthened defense readiness and societal involvement in national security. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, strongly opposed the sale, urging adherence to the “One China” policy.

Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te recently announced a $40 billion defense budget from 2026 to 2033, underlining no compromise on national security.