US Approves NASAMS Air Defense Missile System Sale to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions with China.

On October 25, 2024, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) for the acquisition of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $1.16 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance Taiwan’s air defense capabilities amidst rising tensions with China.
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A NASAMS launcher unit, equipped with canister launchers for AMRAAM missiles, positioned and ready for action. This mobile system provides medium-range air defense, capable of intercepting aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles with precision, and can engage multiple targets simultaneously, offering a robust defense solution for modern airspace threats. (Picture source: Norway MoD)

The sale includes three NASAMS batteries, a critical medium-range air defense solution designed to intercept a variety of aerial threats. These systems will be complemented by advanced radar systems, including three AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, and a substantial number of missiles, such as 123 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) and two AMRAAM-C8 guidance sections. The deal includes fire distribution centers, Canister Launcher Systems, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting systems, and Tactical Control Centers, among other essential support equipment. These components will allow Taiwan’s military to operate NASAMS efficiently, providing comprehensive air defense coverage.

NASAMS, developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, is one of the most versatile air defense systems currently in service. It is used to protect against threats such as aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. NASAMS has an operational range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 21 kilometers (13 miles). The system can simultaneously track and engage up to 72 targets, providing comprehensive defense against multiple incoming threats. The inclusion of AMRAAM-ER missiles in this deal significantly extends the system's range, giving Taiwan enhanced capability to intercept targets from even greater distances, up to 50% further than the standard AMRAAM missile. Furthermore, NASAMS is built to integrate seamlessly within broader air defense networks, which will enable Taiwan to operate alongside U.S. forces, enhancing its defensive interoperability. The system’s Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) and Link 16 capabilities will further strengthen secure communications, allowing Taiwan to coordinate effectively with allied units in case of an emergency.

Taiwan’s need for a strong and layered air defense system has grown increasingly urgent due to escalating tensions with China. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has been conducting frequent operations near Taiwan’s airspace, using a combination of fighter jets, drones, and ballistic missile tests to assert its influence. These actions highlight Taiwan’s vulnerability and the importance of a robust air defense infrastructure to protect its vital military and civilian installations. NASAMS will complement Taiwan’s current defenses, which include Patriot missile batteries and domestically developed Tien Kung (Sky Bow) systems. While the Patriot system is primarily focused on intercepting long-range ballistic missiles, NASAMS offers a mid-range solution, providing Taiwan with the ability to defend against multiple types of aerial threats across different altitudes and ranges.

This proposed sale is part of a broader effort by the United States to support Taiwan’s defense as it faces the increasing risk of conflict with China. NASAMS has a proven record in several countries, including NATO operations and homeland defense in the U.S., and its deployment in Taiwan will significantly enhance the island’s ability to deter and counter air threats. With these systems, Taiwan can strengthen its overall military posture and make any potential aggression by China more difficult and costly.

To implement the sale, U.S. Government and contractor personnel will assist Taiwan in deploying and maintaining the NASAMS systems. This will involve around 26 U.S. government and 34 contractor representatives traveling to Taiwan for equipment installation, system testing, and technical support. Their presence will ensure a smooth integration of the NASAMS systems into Taiwan’s existing defense infrastructure and provide necessary training for the Taiwanese military.

This deal underscores the U.S. commitment to aiding Taiwan in maintaining a strong self-defense capability, as stipulated under the Taiwan Relations Act. With rising regional instability and an increasingly assertive China, Taiwan’s acquisition of NASAMS is a critical step in ensuring its airspace security, as well as contributing to broader regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.