Taiwan eyes acquisition of Aegis destroyers from US as strategic signal to Trump Administration.

According to information published by the Financial Times on November 11, 2024, Taiwan is considering the procurement of Aegis destroyers from the United States as a central component of a significant defense package aimed at strengthening its maritime security capabilities in response to the growing threat from China.
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The Japanese Navy's Maya class destroyer JS Haguro during the at-sea phase of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024. (Picture source: Dvids)

At the heart of Taiwan’s proposed defense package is Lockheed Martin’s Aegis destroyer—a powerful multi-mission warship equipped with advanced radar and missile systems capable of tracking and intercepting multiple threats simultaneously. Known for its effectiveness in air and missile defense, the Aegis system would provide Taiwan with a significant upgrade to its naval capabilities, especially in terms of defending against airborne and ballistic missile threats from China.

For Taiwan, acquiring Aegis destroyers would not only enhance its defensive posture in the Taiwan Strait but also solidify its role as a capable security partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The Aegis system’s interoperability with U.S. and allied forces in the region could facilitate joint defense initiatives, strengthening Taiwan’s strategic partnerships.

The consideration for acquiring Aegis destroyers comes as Taiwan and other U.S. allies face renewed pressure to increase their defense spending and capacities amid rising tensions with China. Advocates within the U.S. have called for Taiwan to step up its defense investments, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan’s readiness to defend itself.

The Trump administration’s first term saw a series of significant arms sales to Taiwan, signaling a strong U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security. Should Trump return to office, Taiwan’s pursuit of the Aegis destroyer may find favorable support, especially as the U.S. continues to seek stronger alliances to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

The Aegis destroyers could be a crucial asset to Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, thanks to their advanced radar, missile defense, and combat capabilities.

The Aegis Combat System, the heart of Aegis destroyers, allows for unparalleled air defense and ballistic missile interception capabilities. This system is paired with the AN/SPY-1D phased-array radar, capable of detecting and tracking multiple aerial threats over 300 kilometers away. The Aegis-equipped destroyers are fitted with Standard Missile (SM) series interceptors, such as the SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6, which can intercept various threats from aircraft to short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. In a potential invasion scenario, Chinese missile and aircraft threats would likely overwhelm Taiwan's limited defenses, and the addition of Aegis-equipped destroyers could create a robust shield, protecting critical locations and infrastructure.

Chinese submarines are a significant threat in any Taiwan Strait conflict, as they could block Taiwan’s ports and sever sea lines of communication. Aegis destroyers are equipped with sophisticated ASW capabilities, including the AN/SQQ-89 sonar suite and Mk 54 torpedoes, and often operate with embarked MH-60R helicopters, further enhancing their ASW range. With these assets, Aegis destroyers could assist Taiwan in identifying, tracking, and neutralizing Chinese submarines attempting to penetrate Taiwan’s maritime boundaries or blockade essential routes.

The Aegis Combat System's networked battle management capabilities would offer Taiwan a strategic advantage. The Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and Link 16 enable Aegis destroyers to share data in real-time with allied forces, creating a comprehensive situational awareness environment. In collaboration with Taiwan’s existing air and naval defenses, Aegis destroyers could form part of a decentralized but highly integrated defense network. This network would improve Taiwan’s capacity to detect, track, and respond to incoming threats efficiently, distributing decision-making and maximizing resilience against Chinese electronic warfare or cyber-attacks on Taiwan's command and control infrastructure.

The presence of Aegis destroyers could serve as a strategic deterrent against China by projecting a credible threat to Chinese forces, particularly when positioned near the Taiwan Strait. Their ability to launch Tomahawk missiles and other long-range anti-ship missiles provides a flexible strike capability, giving Taiwan the potential to respond to Chinese naval actions preemptively. Such capability could force China to reconsider or delay an invasion, knowing the heavy costs Aegis destroyers could inflict on amphibious or naval assets in the initial phases of an assault.