Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has announced plans to procure an additional 1,985 Stinger missiles from the US amid rising tensions with China.
The ministry told lawmakers in its latest budget report that it is eyeing a fivefold increase in its Stinger stockpile, from 500 missiles to 2,485.
It also plans to purchase 549 launch systems and 549 identification friend-or-foe (IFF) transponders.
To fund the potential procurement, the ministry is reportedly requesting 69 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.2 billion) — a significant increase over the 13 billion New Taiwan dollars ($405 million) previously sought.
Taipei initially aimed to acquire 545 Stingers from the US, along with 193 launch systems and 193 IFF transponders for its army and navy.
The ministry said Washington has authorized the changes.
Due to Heightened Tensions
The decision to expand Taipei’s Stinger missile stockpile is driven by the alarming rise in tensions across the Taiwan Strait, according to a Taiwanese defense official.
He noted that Beijing’s provocative incursions into Taiwan’s exclusive zone highlight the need to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities.
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has expressed intentions to unify it with the mainland, with force if necessary.
In 2019, the US State Department said it had approved Taiwan’s request for 250 Block I FIM-92 Stinger missiles worth $224 million.
Washington also pledged to send Stinger missiles to the island nation in 2023 as part of a $500 million military aid package.
Combat-Proven Solution
The Stinger man-portable missile offers a short-range air defense against low-flying enemy aircraft.
It can be fired by a single operator, but military units often use a spotter for more accurate target identification.
The weapon uses infrared homing to track and follow targets, and it is also capable of identifying friendly aerial vehicles to avoid unnecessary attacks.
Raytheon said its Stinger missile has been combat-proven in four major conflicts, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.