With Chinese military pressure continuing to grow, Taiwan is preparing to strengthen its defenses by equipping itself with advanced NASAMS systems coming straight from the United States. This strategic choice comes as the island feels more and more threatened. The idea behind this deployment? Ensure solid protection against possible incursions.
What does 2025 have in store for us?
By the end 2025the Taiwan Armed Forces are expected to receive their first NASAMS system. In total, these are three units which were ordered to reinforce the short and medium range air defense of the island. This is part of a grand strategy to modernize military capabilities in the face of rising regional tensions.
Buying these systems is also a big investment for Taiwan, but it is essential given the proximity and tense relations with China. It is vital to boost national defenses.
China's almost daily military maneuvers around the island are a major factor in Taiwan's decision to improve its defenses. These actions are seen as provocative and make a robust and reliable system necessary.
In this uncertain climate, American military support is crucial for Taiwan. Purchasing the NASAMS not only strengthens national security but also strategic ties with Washington.
Developed by Kongsberg (Norway) and Raytheon (United States), NASAMS is multi-purpose, combining AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for extended coverage against various aerial threats.
The contract amounts to 1,16 milliard USDwith Raytheon leading the project. In October 2024the US State Department gave the green light to this purchase, showing the importance Washington places on strengthening Taiwanese capabilities.
Where will these systems be installed?
The NASAMS systems will first be deployed in Greater Taipei, including Songshan and Tamsui in New Taipei. These places are strategic to effectively protect the Taiwanese capital.
-The equipment includes AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars and 123 missiles surface-air AMRAAM-ERas well as everything needed to make it run smoothly: guide sections, containers, spare parts…
Taiwan is not betting everything on its new purchases; it continues to use its own systems such as the Sky Bow II and III as well as the Patriot PAC-3 batteries. The old MIM-23 HAWK missiles have given way to these local innovations.
The new NASAMS radars significantly improve detection while resisting electronic jamming. With the latest updates, including the GhostEye MR sensor, it can deploy recent versions of missiles while providing optimal protection.
As Taiwan prepares to welcome these advanced technologies, it is clear that the island takes its security very seriously in the face of current challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. This cooperation with the United States also underlines how strategic this alliance is for maintaining a fragile but essential balance in this area of the world.
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