US considers Taiwan for potential Stinger surface-to-air missile production amid rising China threats.

On October 4, 2024, the "Liberty Times Net" reported that the United States plans to send a specialized team to Taiwan to explore the possibility of producing American-made Stinger surface-to-air missiles locally. This development highlights Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising regional threats, particularly from China.
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U.S. Army Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division practice target acquisition on notional targets during stinger qualification, on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, April 19, 2024. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Taiwan's Army and Navy had previously ordered 250 Stinger surface-to-air missiles each in 2019 and 2015, respectively, with delivery expected to be completed by 2025. However, the growing urgency for more effective countermeasures has led Taiwan's Army to order an additional 1,985 Stinger missiles from the U.S. The total value of this deal is estimated at approximately US$1.73 billion. According to the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense’s 2025 budget report, the Army will also procure 549 launch systems and 549 identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems. Deliveries of these systems are projected to continue through 2031, bolstering Taiwan’s air defense network.

The Stinger missile, also known as the FIM-92 Stinger, is a highly advanced man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense. It is designed to engage low-altitude aerial threats such as helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft. The Stinger is equipped with a passive infrared homing system, enabling it to lock onto the heat signatures of aircraft engines. This feature makes it highly effective in combat scenarios. The missile has an operational range of about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.2, allowing it to strike fast-moving targets with precision.

The missile carries a 3-kilogram high-explosive warhead with a proximity fuse, designed to detonate upon or near impact with the target. Weighing approximately 15 kilograms (33 lbs) with its launcher, the Stinger is highly portable, making it ideal for quick deployment in a wide range of combat environments. Additionally, the missile’s dual-mode infrared/ultraviolet seeker allows it to track both heat signatures and distinguish between targets and countermeasures, such as flares, making it a formidable air defense weapon.

For Taiwan, acquiring more Stinger missiles is a critical part of its asymmetric defense strategy. With increasing pressure from Chinese military aircraft and drones near its airspace, these systems offer an affordable yet highly effective solution for Taiwan’s air defense. The addition of IFF systems ensures better coordination among various units and reduces the risk of friendly fire. Establishing local production would mark a significant step in Taiwan’s defense strategy, enhancing the island’s military industrial base and offering greater autonomy in replenishing and maintaining its missile systems.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the manufacturer of the Stinger, is a key player in global defense and has provided this system to numerous countries over the years. As Taiwan continues to deepen its defense relationship with the U.S., Raytheon’s role in strengthening Taiwan’s air defense capabilities remains pivotal. With the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region evolving rapidly, Taiwan’s procurement of additional Stinger missiles and the potential for local production underscore its commitment to enhancing its self-defense capabilities and maintaining peace through deterrence.