US Sells Weapons to Taiwan Worth More than $10 Billion

The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones—a move that is sure to infuriate China, Matthew Lee reported on the announcement.

The eight arms sales agreements cover 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). (Photo: Lockheed Martin) 

The eight arms sales agreements cover 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)—similar to systems the US provided to Ukraine during the Biden administration to defend itself against Russia—worth more than $4 billion.

The package also includes 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment valued at more than $4 billion, as well as drones worth more than $1 billion.

Other sales include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW missiles worth more than $700 million, helicopter spare parts worth $96 million, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles worth $91 million.

In separate but nearly identical statements, the State Department said the sales serve “U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.”