US State Department OKs Possible Sale to Taiwan for 100 Harpoon Defence Systems

 

US State Department OKs Possible Sale to Taiwan for 100 Harpoon Defence Systems Amid China Tensions

The US government on Monday announced it has approved a possible sale to Taiwan of up to 100

Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS). The package, with an estimated cost of US$2.37 billion, has been approved by the US State Department.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office, the foreign ministry and the defense ministry all expressed thanks to the US for its support. The foreign ministry said the package is to help Taiwan improve its defense capability and bring regional stability in the midst of increased threats from China. The ministry said that the US continues to sell defensive weapons to Taiwan in accordance with the Six Assurances and the Taiwan Relations Act. 

Meanwhile, Presidential Office spokesperson Xavier Chang on Tuesday said that Taiwan will continue to seek cooperation with the US and like-minded countries to maintain peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The arms deal for Taiwan is the second one this week and the fourth this year that the US has announced. That brings to a total of nine arms sales packages to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump took office in 2017.

The package includes 100 HCDS consisting of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles. It also includes 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units and 25 radar trucks.