A Taiwan air force pilot climbs out of a Mirage 2000 fighter jet after a flight over Hsinchu Air Base, Taiwan, Jan. 11, 2022. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)
The United States plans to sell Taiwan spare aircraft parts and related military equipment worth an estimated $228 million, according to statements this week from both countries.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which assists with arms transfers to U.S. allies, has notified Congress of the possible sale, the State Department announced Monday.
Taiwan asked for the return, repair and reshipment of spare parts for aircraft and related equipment. It also requested engineering, technical and logistics support, the announcement states.
“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the announcement states.
The parts would be for various types of fighter aircraft, said Ming-Shih Shen of Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research.
“Because Taiwan Air Force fighter aircraft perform various counterattack gray zone missions, the wear and tear of spare parts is relatively serious, and some logistical support is needed to improve the spare parts availability rate and reserves,” he told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday.
China routinely sends military aircraft across the Taiwan Strait, forcing the island democracy to scramble fighters to intercept the threat.
On Sept. 5 and 6, for example, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported 19 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters, drones and helicopters, approaching the island.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the proposed aircraft parts sale Tuesday in a post on X.
“We’re determined to safeguard #TaiwanStrait peace & contribute to #IndoPacific stability & prosperity,” the ministry wrote.
This marks the 16th announcement of an arms provision to Taiwan by President Joe Biden’s administration, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.
