On October 25, 2024, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) for the acquisition of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $1.16 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance Taiwan’s air defense capabilities amidst rising tensions with China.
The sale includes three NASAMS batteries, a critical medium-range air defense solution designed to intercept a variety of aerial threats. These systems will be complemented by advanced radar systems, including three AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, and a substantial number of missiles, such as 123 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) and two AMRAAM-C8 guidance sections. The deal includes fire distribution centers, Canister Launcher Systems, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting systems, and Tactical Control Centers, among other essential support equipment. These components will allow Taiwan’s military to operate NASAMS efficiently, providing comprehensive air defense coverage.
NASAMS, developed by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, is one of the most versatile air defense systems currently in service. It is used to protect against threats such as aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. NASAMS has an operational range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 21 kilometers (13 miles).