Taiwan considers Northrop Grumman E-2D purchase to fortify US partnership amid China pressure.

According to information published by the Financial Times on November 11, 2024, Taipei is reportedly considering a substantial purchase of U.S. defense assets. The ROC is poised to request Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft.
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Taiwan eyes the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in a potential U.S. defense deal, aiming to enhance surveillance and reinforce its partnership with Washington as regional tensions escalate. (Picture source: US DoD)

The Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a critical asset for any nation seeking a robust early warning system. Equipped with radar and electronic surveillance capabilities, it offers unparalleled air and maritime domain awareness, giving Taiwan a significant advantage in detecting threats at extended ranges. The Advanced Hawkeye is known for its powerful AN/APY-9 radar, which can track multiple airborne and surface targets simultaneously, making it a highly effective tool in countering regional adversarial movements, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.

With an advanced mission computer and radar capabilities that significantly enhance situational awareness, the E-2D would enable Taiwan to respond to potential incursions more efficiently. This asset could serve as an early detection system against aerial threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while also supporting joint operations with U.S. forces, further cementing the defense ties between Taipei and Washington.

This anticipated purchase also appears to have a strong political undertone. Given Donald Trump’s pro-Taiwan stance during his presidency, the request for a defense system as sophisticated as the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye may be viewed as a diplomatic message from Taiwan, underscoring its intent to continue strengthening U.S.-Taiwan defense relations. Trump, known for his hardline approach toward China, supported policies that encouraged arms sales to Taiwan and enhanced Taipei’s defense against potential aggressions.

This potential acquisition comes as part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to modernize and reinforce its military in light of increased Chinese military activity near its air and maritime borders. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting frequent military exercises and air sorties around Taiwan, heightening concerns over a possible escalation.

While Taiwan’s intentions to purchase the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye demonstrate a strong commitment to defense readiness, the acquisition would still need U.S. congressional approval under the Taiwan Relations Act. In recent years, Congress has shown bipartisan support for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, approving multiple arms sales to Taipei. However, the potential impact of such sales on U.S.-China relations is likely to prompt significant debate.