TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 21, 2023 – Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng has confirmed that Taiwan intends to purchase the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System 2 (NASAMS 2) from the United States. The minister made the announcement in a legislative session on July 18, 2023.
The Taiwanese Defense Minister confirmed media reports about the proposed acquisition but said the military was still waiting for an official timeline for the purchase from the United States. He also cited the recent performance of the NASAMS air defense missile system in Ukraine, where the U.S. Defense officials claim it has successfully intercepted all incoming Russian missiles, underscoring the system’s effectiveness.
According to Chieh Chung, an associate research fellow with the National Policy Foundation in Taipei, one of the key appeals of NASAMS 2 is its compatibility with Link 16, a standardized military communications protocol used among North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members. This feature enables real-time exchange of tactical data between different units on land, sea, and air.
Furthermore, the NASAMS 2 system can integrate with other systems, providing a highly adaptable mid-range air defense solution, which Chieh claims will enhance engagement efficiency.
The intended acquisition comes amid rising tensions in the region and is seen as an effort to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities. However, it is expected to draw criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently opposed arms sales to the island.