Author: Joe O’Connor
Contributing Researchers: Reed Bishop, Jaime Ocon, and Eric Gomez
See this week’s Taiwan Arms Tracker update, covering news relating to arms sales, indigenous production, and defense procurement in Taiwan, all below!
MND Considers C-130 Purchase over Maintenance
Reports Sunday indicated that the Air Force Command has decided to procure 10 C-130J transport aircraft instead of continuing a scheduled performance upgrade program for 20 active C-130Hs. The upgrade program, worth NT$13.6 billion (US$440 million), included major engine replacement, making it more expensive. The proposed sale has not been submitted to the US but will likely face delays.
HIMARS Reportedly Ahead of Schedule
On Monday, a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan revealed the status of several arms deliveries, including delays on F-16s and AGM-154Cs. However, the second tranche of HIMARS systems, including 18 launchers, 20 ATACMS missiles, and 864 rockets, are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, instead of 2027.
AGM-154C JSOWs Reportedly Further Delayed
The same report to the LY on Monday reported that AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) deliveries will be delayed to 2027 or 2028. Originally approved in 2017 and planned for 2023, the JSOWs have been delayed because Taiwan opted for the newest configuration and production had to be restarted. A similar issue has plagued production and delivery of Mk 48 torpedoes, the report also indicated.
MND Releases CUAS Procurement Disclosure Info
On Monday, the MND released a public-review notice for procurement of 635 “portable counter-UAV systems,” worth NT$9.67 billion (US$313.1 million). Units will be spread among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and information/electronic warfare units. This procurement will be funded via the 2026-28 special resilience budget, and the notice was not a formal tender for bids, instead published for feedback purposes.
Weekly Awards & Tenders: Facilities, Document Revision
•On Thursday, the Military Medical Bureau solicited bids for the construction of a proton therapy center at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei, worth NT$866.66 million (US$28.04 million).
•On Monday, the Air Force Command awarded a NT$773.83 million (US$25.02 million) contract to Dassault for revision of technical documents for Mirage 3000 fighter jets, which the ROCAF uses.
SOURCE: Taiwanese Government E-Procurement System