Taiwan has received the first batch of Harpoon missile systems from the US.
This is part of a 71.02 billion new Taiwan dollar ($2.22 billion) deal in 2020 for the US to supply the island with up to 100 shore-mounted Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems and related equipment.
Taiwan’s defense ministry also allotted an additional 15 billion new Taiwan dollars ($469 million) to construct related facilities, bringing the total package to $86.02 billion new Taiwan dollars ($2.69 billion).
The US approved the sale of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles in total.
Included in the package are 411 containers, 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units, 25 radar trucks, spare and repair parts, and logistics support, such as personnel training and training equipment, and US government and contractor technical assistance.
The first phase of deliveries is anticipated to be completed by 2026 and will be integrated into Taiwan’s new Littoral Combat Command planned to be established the same year.
Meanwhile, the second and final phase is expected by 2028.
Taipei plans to incorporate the American-made Harpoon missile system along with its own Hsiung Feng series missiles to enhance its maritime defense capabilities amid China’s threat of a potential invasion.
In support of this, the country is in the process of renovating and building missile bases.