US plans to sell missiles and aircraft

This article was written by Edwin Hsiao and published by the Taiwan Journal on September 21, 2007. It reports that the United States recently proposed two arms sales to Taiwan with a value of over US$2.2. billion, including 12 excess P-3C aircraft and 144 SM-2 Block IIIA STANDARD missiles.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the U.S. Department of Defense, it has notified the U.S. Congress of a possible sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of excess P-3C aircraft, as well as associated equipment and services. The value of the sale, if all options are exercised, can reach US$1.96 billion.

According to the DSCA, Taiwan's current patrol aircraft are reaching the end of their operational service life. In order to maintain national security, it is necessary to replace these fixed-wing aircraft with an airborne operational capability for land-based maritime patrol and reconnaissance.

According to the DSCA, it has informed the U.S. Congress that it may sell SM-2 surface-to-air missiles and related technical support to Taiwan. The estimated cost is US$272 million if all options are exercised. The proposed sale will provide Taiwan with anti-aircraft defense capabilities for its navy. As Taiwan already has SM-2 missiles in its inventory, it intends to use these missiles on its destroyer-class surface ships to defend against missile threats.

According to the DSCA, the two tentative arms sales serve the economic and security interests of the United States by supporting Taiwan's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to enhance its defense capability. However, while a notice of a potential sale is required by law, it does not mean that the sale has been finalized.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan welcomes this decision by the U.S. government, since it will help maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait as well as stability and prosperity in the West Pacific region. “It is a policy of mutual benefit,” ministry officials said.