This week, Taiwan officially confirmed the signing of major defense contracts for the purchase of American weapons. In total, there are six agreements totaling approximately $6.6 billion.
These include the procurement of HIMARS rocket systems and their missiles, M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, TOW and Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, unspecified "comprehensive air defense consulting services" as well as the establishment of a joint venture to manufacture large-caliber ammunition.
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According to CNA, the largest contract, worth approximately $3.9 billion (123.53 billion New Taiwan dollars), is for HIMARS. Although the exact number of systems being purchased has not been officially announced, in December 2025 the U.S. government approved the sale of 82 HIMARS systems for $4.05 billion, which also included 420 M57 ATACMS ballistic missiles and 1,203 GMLRS rockets.
An additional $2.3 billion is to be paid for an unspecified number of M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers. The earlier authorization covered 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, 60 M992A3 tracked ammunition transport vehicles, and 13 M88A2 recovery vehicles, with a total value of up to $4.03 billion.
The $910.4 million contract covers the establishment of joint production of large-caliber artillery ammunition, including 155-mm rounds. Consultations on air defense will cost $725.9 million. Anti-tank missiles will cost $162.4 million, while restocking other unnamed missile systems will cost Taiwan $168.7 million.
The main issue with these procurements is the delivery schedule. The HIMARS contract must be fulfilled by December 15, 2032, and all M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers must be delivered by December 31, 2034. The contract for the establishment of a joint ammunition production plant is set to expire on February 28, 2029. All missiles and air defense services are to be provided by the end of 2030.
It should be noted that Beijing has set 2027 as the target date for its military to be ready to invade Taiwan. That is why such timelines for arms deliveries to Taiwan—even without the possibility of delays—favor Beijing's interests. Moreover, this is another factor in the realization of its plans before the Taiwanese military receives such a powerful reinforcement.
It also should be noted that by 2028, Taiwan is set to receive 100 launchers for the Harpoon coastal missile system, which were ordered no earlier than 2020 for $2.37 billion.
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