U.S. Approves $387 Million Arms Sales to Taiwan.

Washington: The U.S. government has announced an arms sale to Taiwan valued at US$387 million, focusing on spare parts and support for F-16 fighter aircraft and follow-up support for Improved Mobile Subscriber Equipment (IMSE). This marks the 18th arms sale approved by the Biden administration to Taiwan and the sixth since Taiwan's elections in January. According to Focus Taiwan, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed it had notified Congress about the sale. The proposed sale aligns with U.S. law and policy under Public Law 96-8. The State Department has approved the sale of F-16 spare parts and radar equipment, expected to start deliveries in 2025, at an estimated cost of US$320 million. The DSCA noted this would enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities. The DSCA also announced the approval of IMSE follow-up support for approximately US$65 million. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) requested extended services for the IMSE and Exper imental Force systems. The sale aims to continue these services for two more years. The arms deals are intended to support U.S. national, economic, and security interests by aiding Taiwan's military modernization. The DSCA emphasized the importance of maintaining regional stability, military balance, and economic progress. The spare parts and support for F-16 jets will be sourced from U.S. Government stock. According to the DSCA, the implementation will not necessitate additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Taiwan. However, the IMSE support will involve three contractor Technical Assistance Representatives from General Dynamics Mission Systems. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of the sale for Taiwan's self-defense and regional stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the U.S. administration's efforts to ensure Taiwan's defense capabilities against threats from China, referencing the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances as the basis for the sales.