The United States Authorizes A $95 Million Upgrade to Taiwan's Air Defense System

The package would include training, planning, fielding, deployment, operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the Patriot Air Defense System and related equipment, the Pentagon informed Congress in a letter.

"This proposed sale advances the United States' national, economic, and security interests by assisting the recipient in its ongoing efforts to upgrade its armed forces and preserve a credible defensive capacity," the statement said.

"The proposed sale would assist the receiver in maintaining its missile density and readiness for air operations. The recipient intends to utilize this capacity to prevent regional threats and to bolster homeland security."

The US is legally obligated to give Taiwan the tools to defend itself, notwithstanding the lack of formal diplomatic relations and the ensuing outrage in Beijing.

Taiwan's presidential office remarked that this was the third weapons deal announced since President Joe Biden assumed office, demonstrating their relationship's "rock solid" character.

"Taiwan will continue to show its will to protect itself and to strengthen cooperative relationships with the United States and other like-minded nations," spokesman Xavier Chang said in a statement.

Despite clearance by the State Department, the notice does not constitute the signing of a contract or the conclusion of discussions.

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) was named as the primary contractor for the proposed sale by the Pentagon.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said that the agreement will "go into effect" within a month.

Taiwan's primary foreign weapons supplier is the United States.