A batch of FIM-92 Stinger air defense missiles arrived overnight on May 25, the Chinese-language United Daily News reported, echoed by Wu Che-yu, Wu Su-wei,Su Yung-yao and Jonathan Chin in Taipei Times on May 27.
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Taiwan Marines using dual-mounted Stinger (DMS) missile launcher (Picture source: Republic of China Navy)
This delivery of Stinger missiles is part of a larger US$500 million aid package to Taiwan, which utilizes the US' presidential drawdown authority. This authority allows for expedited weapons deliveries using US stocks of weaponry and has previously been used in Ukraine. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war and supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, certain weapons earmarked for Taiwan had faced delays. While Minister of Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng did not disclose specific details about the delivery, it is believed to include these delayed weapons systems.
Taiwan currently has a stockpile of 1,800 Stinger missiles, including variants such as the Dual Mount Stinger (DMS) and the Humvee-mounted Avenger weapons system. They also possess an air-launched version adapted for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. The authorization for the transfer of Stinger missile systems to Taiwan was first granted by the US in 1996. However, no further transfers were made after 2000 due to concerns about the offensive potential of these weapons.
On May 23, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced to the US Congress that a significant military aid package would be delivered to Taiwan. As part of the 2023 budget, the US Congress authorized up to US$1 billion in military aid to Taiwan using the presidential drawdown authority. Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed that Taipei had been informed of the package prior to its public announcement.
According to Shu Hsiao-huang, an analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Taiwan's air defenses primarily consist of US-made Patriot and domestically developed Tien Kung missiles. However, the nation lacked effective weapons against low-flying aircraft, which has been addressed with the inclusion of Stinger missiles. These missiles are expected to be effective against helicopters and drones launched from Chinese People's Liberation Army amphibious assault ships.
Retired air force lieutenant-general Chang Yan-ting suggests that the reported inclusion of Stinger missiles, as well as anti-armor weapons like TOWs and Javelins in future aid packages, indicates that the US is prioritizing territorial defense rather than long-range strikes or decisive battles at the beachhead.
Defense News May 2023
