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 Contracts US Instructors for Training
On Friday, the Naval Command made a correction announcement to an earlier contract, increasing an award for the provision of US trainers and instructors to a total of NT$99.77 million (US$3.18 million). The award indicates that services will take place at the Zuoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung, indicating that amphibious joint warfare training will likely take place.
Production of Suicide USVs Planned to 1,600 Units
Military officials indicated on Saturday that plans for mass production of suicide unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have increased from 1,320 units to 1,600 and will be funded using the NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget. On December 8, the Naval Command began coordinating procurement via requests for information and is being urged to designate NCSIST as the prime contractor for development.
First Taiwanese F-16 Block 70 Undergoes Flight Test
On Monday, the first Taiwanese F-16 Block 70 conducted its first flight test at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, SC, coming after initial taxiing tests on December 20. The fan page “IDF Ching-kuo” also reported that 10 more aircraft have completed final assembly and are ready for testing.
M1A2T Abrams Appear in First Combat Drill
In response to the PLA Eastern Theater Command’s “Justice Mission 2025” exercise, the Taiwanese military began their own combat readiness exercises, including the deployment of new M1A2T Abrams tanks from the 584th Armored Brigade, whose 3d Battalion is the first unit to receive the new tanks. Taiwan has received 80 of 108 Abrams from the US so far, with the final group of 28 expected early next year.
Weekly Awards & Solicitations: Helicopter Maintenance
•On Monday, the Air Force Command awarded a NT$275.15 million (US$8.80 million) contract for periodic inspection and maintenance services of rotorcraft at Chiayi Air Base, which is home to EC-225 SAR helicopters.
•Also on Monday, the Ministry of National Defense awarded a NT$126.20 million (US$4.04 million) contract for security guard services in Neihu District, Taipei, likely at MND Headquarters.
SOURCE: Taiwanese Government E-Procurement System
