Raytheon makes out like a bandit in Taiwan
There was nothing new in the first arms package released by the Trump administration that Taiwan did not already have in its inventory, beyond some configuration packages. The biggest winner of the programme, however, was Raytheon, which scooped up the entire $1.34 billion package announced by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency on 29 June.
Though the programme is largely focused on naval items, the timing of the US announcement is sending an ‘unpleasant signal’ to China, said Ching Chang, a former Taiwanese naval officer and a research fellow of the Taipei-based Society for Strategic Studies.
The announcement came as
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.