Taiwan Expected to Receive Full Delivery of Anti-Tank Missiles from U.S. by Year-End.

On June 17, 2024, and after a series of significant delays, Taiwan is set to receive a complete order of 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers from the United States by the end of this year, according to the nation's defense minister. This delivery, initially scheduled to commence in 2022, has been postponed due to the weapons failing U.S. Army testing requirements, but they have now passed these tests, ensuring their arrival within the year.
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The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) enhances target recognition and engagement distances, supports all current TOW missile variants, and is adaptable for future missile upgrades. (Picture source: Raytheon)

During a legislative session on Monday, Wellington Koo, the defense minister, addressed inquiries from Wang Ting-yu, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, regarding the timing of the weapon's arrival. The Taiwanese government had originally earmarked NT$11.81 billion (approximately US$364 million) for this purchase over the fiscal years 2018-2025, highlighting the strategic importance of this acquisition.

The TOW 2B is an advanced anti-tank missile system developed by Raytheon, now part of Raytheon Technologies, designed to enhance ground forces' capability to defeat armored threats. The missile entered service in the 1990s, serving as an upgrade to earlier TOW missile variants with significant improvements in targeting and lethality. Unlike its predecessors, the TOW 2B is equipped with a dual-warhead system designed to attack armored vehicles from the top, exploiting their thinner armor, making it particularly effective against modern tanks.

The missile system has been widely adopted and remains in service in numerous armed forces worldwide. While the exact number of TOW 2B missiles in service globally is classified, the system has seen extensive use in various conflicts, underscoring its reliability and effectiveness. Its guidance system allows for operation in both day and night conditions, and it can be launched from a variety of platforms, including vehicles, helicopters, and ground launchers, providing flexibility in deployment and use in diverse combat scenarios.

The TOW 2B missiles, designed to target the most vulnerable parts of armored vehicles, are part of Taiwan's broader defensive strategy to deter potential aggression. These missiles are one of three major arms packages that Taiwan has secured from the U.S., which also include 66 F-16Vs and AGM-154 air-to-ground missile systems, both noted for their precision capabilities in air-to-surface operations. While the delivery of these systems has also faced delays, the U.S. has committed to sending two F-16V prototypes to Taiwan for further testing later this year, with all 66 jets expected by the end of 2026.

The procurement of these advanced defense systems comes at a critical time for Taiwan, as emphasized by Michael McCaul, chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, during his visit in May. McCaul highlighted that approximately US$20 billion worth of arms are pending delivery to Taiwan, with delays primarily attributed to industry-related issues. As Taiwan strengthens its military capabilities, these acquisitions are seen as pivotal in ensuring the island's security and readiness in the face of potential threats.