A batch of FIM-92 Stinger air defense missiles arrived overnight on May 25, the Chinese-language United Daily News reported, echoed by Wu Che-yu, Wu Su-wei,Su Yung-yao and Jonathan Chin in Taipei Times on May 27.
This delivery of Stinger missiles is part of a larger US$500 million aid package to Taiwan, which utilizes the US’ presidential drawdown authority. This authority allows for expedited weapons deliveries using US stocks of weaponry and has previously been used in Ukraine. Due to the Russia-Ukraine war and supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, certain weapons earmarked for Taiwan had faced delays. While Minister of Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng did not disclose specific details about the delivery, it is believed to include these delayed weapons systems.
Taiwan currently has a stockpile of 1,800 Stinger missiles, including variants such as the Dual Mount Stinger (DMS) and the Humvee-mounted Avenger weapons system. They also possess an air-launched version adapted for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. The authorization for the transfer of Stinger missile systems to Taiwan was first granted by the US in 1996. However, no further transfers were made after 2000 due to concerns about the offensive potential of these weapons.