Taiwan is considering a major military purchase from the United States, including coastal defense cruise missiles (CDCM) and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rockets valued between US$7 billion and US$10 billion, according to recent Reuters reports.
DPP Legislator Lin Chu-yin (林楚茵) said Wednesday the government aims to strengthen Taiwan’s defense and increase the national defense budget to more than three percent of the gross domestic product. However, she says budget cuts could hinder its ability to secure necessary weapons.
Opposition legislators including KMT Legislator Li Yen-shui (李彥秀) are urging the government to accelerate weapons deliveries from the U.S. to bolster Taiwan's defense. Li has suggested expanding military purchases to help reduce Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. and called for faster deliveries of delayed military equipment including anti-tank missiles and F-16V fighter jets.
The U.S. State Department supports Taiwan’s self-defense under the Taiwan Relations Act but declined to comment on the potential sale until it is formally notified to Congress. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has not provided any specific details on the procurement, but emphasizes that any weapons purchases will focus on essential defense capabilities such as precision munitions and air defense upgrades.