A report published by the China Times on July 14, 2023, suggests the United States is set to acquire decommissioned Hawk MIM-23 air defense missile systems from the Taiwanese military. These systems are destined for Ukraine to fortify its air defense capabilities. In return, the US could potentially provide Taiwan with additional Patriot air defense systems.
The Taiwanese armed forces’ Hawk missiles, which are Phase III MIM-23 Hawks, were decommissioned from Taiwan’s arsenal in June 2023. The MIM-23 Hawk is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by American defense contractor Raytheon. Initially introduced in 1960, the system has undergone several upgrades to increase its operational efficacy.
Ukraine has already received a Hawk air defense missile system from Spain, including a MIM-23 Hawk Phase I/III (21) Battery in December 2022. Additionally, the United States delivered two MIM-23 Hawk firing units in February 2023.