US approves bold arms package for Taiwan
The US is willing to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan, including offensive missiles, in a move that will incense Beijing
On 21 October, the US announced approval for the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of three key military items to Taiwan , signalling a strong commitment ‘to maintain a credible defensive capability’ for the democratic island nation. The arms package amounts to $1.81 billion, with additional items expected to be added in coming weeks and months.
The three systems approved by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) are AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missiles - Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) rocket artillery pieces and MS-110 reconnaissance pods.
China reacted angrily to this news. Beijing has been
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
