Taiwan continues FMS shopping spree with Harpoon deal

An FMS deal for Boeing to sell shore-based Harpoon missiles to Taiwan was approved by the US State Department on 26 October.

The $2.37 billion contract covers up to 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS), including 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II surface-launched missiles.

Also included in the FMS package are 411 containers, 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System launcher transporter units, 25 radar trucks, spare parts, test equipment, training services and maintenance and logistics support.

‘The United States maintains an abiding interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and considers the security of Taiwan central to the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region,’ said a State Department official. 

Approval of the HCDS sale came just five days after the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced approval of FMS exports to Taiwan of AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missiles - Expanded Response, M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems rocket artillery pieces and MS-110 reconnaissance pods.

Further deals are in the pipeline for MQ-9 Reapers, underwater smart mines and M109A6 self-propelled howitzers.

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