Author: Joe O’Connor
See this week’s Taiwan Arms Tracker update, covering news relating to arms sales, indigenous production, and defense procurement in Taiwan, all below!
ROCN Awards Ship Parts Contract to US via AIT
On Thursday, the MND, on behalf of the Navy Command, awarded a NT$1.57 billion (US$50.1 million) contract to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for procurement of “ship parts and accessories.” While awarded to the AIT, this contract is likely for several US companies. The Navy is currently executing several performance upgrade programs of its Kang Ding-class and Cheng Kung-class frigates.
Minister Koo Announces Consolidation of Sales with AIT
In a press conference before testifying to the LY Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, Minister Wellington Koo stated that the MND is working with the AIT to consolidate nine FMS requests under the NT$1.25 trillion special budget and the 2026 regular budget. Koo did not disclose details on specific sales, pending US congressional notification, but it is suspected that Patriot PAC-3 missiles will be included.
Opposition Blocks Special Budget from LY Agenda
On Tuesday, KMT and TPP legislators in the LY’s Procedure Committee blocked the NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget bill from being placed on the LY’s agenda. KMT caucus whip Fu-Kun-chi stated after that President Lai should appear before the LY and justify the necessity of the budget. Premier Cho Jung-tai later stated that compelling Lai to appear was unconstitutional, violating the separation of powers.
SOURCE: Liu Kuan-ting, Lin Chin-yin, Lai Yu-chen & Wu Kuan-hsien, CNA
Air Force Provides F-16 Production Update
Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan stated in a Monday LY hearing that flight testing of F-16s will begin this month in the United States. Lee added that 54 aircraft are currently being assembled, and the Air Force expects that 10 of them will be complete by the end of the year. After flight testing, the jets will be delivered to Taiwan.
Weekly Awards and Solicitations: Drydock Repair, Supply Services
•On Tuesday, the Magong Logistics Support Command, Naval Maintenance Command solicited bids for dry dock refurbishment in Magong, Penghu, worth NT$48.24 million (US$1.54 million).
•Also, on Tuesday, the Army Command solicited bids for commissioned supply transport to Kinmen and Matsu using passenger ferries, worth NT$57.49 million (US$1.84 million).
SOURCE: Taiwanese Government E-Procurement System
