Taiwan to purchase over 1,000 Stinger missiles from US as Chinese military threat increases
Stinger missiles
Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) plans to purchase more than 1,000 additional Stinger missiles from the United States, to deal with increased Chinese military threat to the island nation.
The Taiwan army and navy each ordered 250 Stinger missiles in 2019 and 2015, respectively. However, the country needs more to meet its defence needs.
It further prompted the Taiwan army to order 1,985 more Stringer missiles from the US for approximately NT$55.54 billion, Taiwanese local newspaper Liberty Times reported.
According to the MND's 2025 budget report, the Army will get 549 launch systems and 549 identification and friend of foe (IFF) systems.
Moreover, the Navy has planned to buy 45 man-portable Stinger missiles, 15 launch systems, and 15 IFF devices. Navy and Army missiles are scheduled to be delivered by 2031.
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Although the Army has not confirmed whether these purchases are included in the Army's procurement plan.
Taiwan sendsletters to US
Earlier in March, the Taiwanese army highlighted that they had sent 11 letters to the US, urging the delivery of 250 Stinger missiles, which they requested earlier as well.
Watch |Pacific leaders reject call to break ties with Taiwan
Initially, Taiwan's former president Tsai Ing-wen talked about purchasing additional Stinger missiles from the US, to meet air defence needs and prepare for more live-fire target practice as conscript service increased to one year.
China has increased its military activities across Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island.
Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan's MND detected 10 PLA aircraft, seven Chinese Navy vessels, and two official ships operating around the nation.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China's continued use of military aircraft and warships to intrude into Taiwan and Japan's air defence identification zones and exclusive economic zones has increased regional tensions.
(With inputs from agencies)