US-Taiwan Business Council Supports $2 Billion Arms Deal
The US-Taiwan Business Council has endorsed a potential $2 billion arms package from the United States to Taiwan, calling it an important development in defense ties. The package includes $1.16 billion for missile systems and $828 million for radar systems. Taiwan will receive three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), becoming the third regional nation to acquire them after Australia and Indonesia.
Strengthening Taiwan’s Defense
US Defense officials highlighted this as a milestone move to bolster Taiwan’s defenses. The NASAMS systems, previously used in Ukraine, are described as proven by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The radar systems, AN/TPS-77 and AN/TPS-78, are expected to enhance Taiwan’s air-defense capabilities significantly.
Modernizing Air-Defense Architecture
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, President of the US-Taiwan Business Council, stated that this package is a significant step in modernizing Taiwan’s air-defense architecture. He emphasized the increased strategic support from the US government, noting the broadening of the Biden administration’s stance on Taiwan’s defense.
Enhancing Surveillance and Readiness
The radar systems will improve Taiwan’s surveillance of maritime and aerial activities, offering stronger defenses against coercive military tactics by China. Hammond-Chambers urged Taiwan’s military to enhance readiness by securing ample ammunition and missile components.
Doubts Revealed
US-Taiwan Business Council -: The US-Taiwan Business Council is a group that helps businesses in the United States and Taiwan work together. They focus on improving trade and economic relations between the two places.
$2 Billion Arms Deal -: An arms deal is an agreement to buy and sell weapons. In this case, Taiwan is buying weapons worth $2 billion from the United States to help protect itself.
Missile Systems -: Missile systems are weapons that can be launched to hit targets far away. They are used to defend a country from attacks.
Radar Systems -: Radar systems are technology that helps detect and track objects like airplanes or missiles. They are important for a country’s defense because they can see threats coming from far away.
NASAMS -: NASAMS stands for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. It is a type of defense system that helps protect a country from air attacks by shooting down enemy aircraft or missiles.
Military Readiness -: Military readiness means being prepared to defend a country at any time. It involves having trained soldiers, working equipment, and good strategies to respond to threats.