The United States has approved the sale of a $700 million National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to Taiwan, marking a significant escalation in military support for the self-ruled island amid growing cross-Strait tensions. The deal, announced by the Pentagon on November 19, 2025, represents the second arms package to Taiwan in a week, bringing total U.S. weapons sales to Taipei this month to $1 billion.

Made by RTX, the NASAMS system offers medium-range air defense capabilities and has been battle-tested in Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, a firm fixed-price contract has been awarded for the procurement of NASAMS units, with completion projected by February 2031.

“Fiscal 2026 foreign military sales [Taiwan] funds in the amount of $698,948,760 were obligated,” the Pentagon confirmed in a statement.

NASAMS in Asia Pacific

Currently, only Australia and Indonesia operate NASAMS in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan’s new acquisition is part of a broader $2 billion arms sale package announced last year, which includes three NASAMS units. Analysts note that the system’s deployment provides a substantial upgrade to Taiwan’s air defense capabilities, particularly as regional threats from China escalate.

The missile system has proven effective in Ukraine, where it has been used to counter Russian air and missile attacks. Its deployment in Taiwan is expected to enhance deterrence and strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.

Reaffirming ‘Rock-Solid’ US Commitment

The announcement follows another U.S. sale to Taiwan approved last Thursday, including warplanes and aircraft components valued at $330 million, marking the first such deal since President Donald Trump took office.

Raymond Greene, the de facto US ambassador in Taipei, reiterated America’s commitment to Taiwan:

“It should be clear today and will remain clear into the future that America’s commitments to Taiwan are rock-solid. We are backing these words with actions, focusing on supporting Taiwan’s efforts to achieve peace through strength.”

The U.S. emphasis on defense cooperation comes amid growing diplomatic and military tensions in the region, particularly following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on potential military intervention to protect Taiwan.

Rising Regional Tensions

The missile sale occurs against a backdrop of heightened China-Taiwan-Japan tensions:

• Chinese coastguard ships recently sailed near East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by Beijing.
• Taiwan reported drone incursions and increased Chinese military activity in the region, part of a so-called “grey zone” strategy to test Taiwan’s defenses.
• Taiwan is enhancing its military capabilities, including domestic submarine production, to protect critical maritime supply routes.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic recognition, U.S. law obligates Washington to provide Taiwan with defensive means, a commitment that consistently provokes Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of China and has pledged reunification by force if necessary.