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.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025
The fund includes extra money for constructing a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a second Virginia-class submarine.
-
Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards
The launch of the King Thalun marks a high point for shipbuilding in Myanmar.
-
Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy
The second Virginia-class vessel delivered in 2024, the USS Iowa is also the twelfth battle force vessel added to the US Navy across the year.
-
China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel
The Type 076, named the Sichuan at launch, is part of a naval arms race with the US Navy.
-
NATO to strengthen its Baltic Sea presence after new cable cutting incident
The vessel suspected of cutting cables has been boarded by the Finnish Coast Guard, and Estonia has launched naval protection patrols.
-
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.