The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System manufactured by RTX, which has proven its worth defending Ukraine against Russian aerial attacks, is now heading to Taiwan following Pentagon confirmation of a $700 million sale. The transaction demonstrates how combat-validated technology is being exported to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan will receive three NASAMS medium-range air defense units under a firm fixed-price contract extending through February 2031, funded by $698,948,760 from fiscal year 2026 foreign military sales allocations. This acquisition makes Taiwan only the third Indo-Pacific nation to deploy NASAMS, joining Australia and Indonesia. The systems were included in a broader $2 billion defense package announced last year and represent new defensive capabilities for the island.
American diplomatic officials stationed in Taiwan have reinforced messages about the permanence of bilateral security commitments. The senior American representative told business leaders that support for Taiwan is “rock solid” and will endure regardless of political transitions. The official highlighted expanding defense industrial cooperation as tangible evidence that American commitments extend beyond diplomatic statements to concrete actions supporting Taiwan’s goal of achieving peace through strength.
The NASAMS confirmation follows closely after another substantial authorization worth $330 million for fighter aircraft components and parts, approved days earlier. Combined, these two deals represent $1 billion in approved military equipment within a single week. The fighter parts authorization marked the first such approval under the new administration that took office in January, generating gratitude from Taipei while provoking anger in Beijing.
Regional security dynamics have deteriorated recently, with Chinese coast guard operations near disputed East China Sea islands and Chinese drone flights through sensitive airspace between Taiwan and Japan, prompting military responses. Taiwan’s defense leadership has urged China to reject military coercion in dispute resolution. China maintains sovereignty claims over Taiwan that the island’s government categorically rejects. Chinese military forces conduct near-daily operations around Taiwan in what Taipei describes as “grey zone” tactics designed to test defenses and exhaust resources. Taiwan pursues comprehensive military modernization, including ambitious indigenous submarine programs to secure vital maritime supply lines. Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains legally obligated to provide Taiwan with necessary defensive means, consistently drawing Beijing’s opposition.