Soldiers from Taiwan demonstrate US-made Stinger dual-missile missile system during the opening day of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition August 11, 2005 REUTERS / Richard Chung RC / DY
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TAIPAI, May 3 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that deliveries of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles could be delayed, saying they were pressuring the United States to deliver on schedule as the war in Ukraine puts pressure. on supplies.
The missiles are in high demand in Ukraine, where they successfully keep Russian planes at bay, but US supplies have shrunk and the production of more anti-aircraft weapons faces significant obstacles. Read more
The United States has approved the sale of 250 Stinger missiles to Raytheon Technologies (RTX.N) in Taiwan in 2019. Taiwanese media reported that Taiwan is expected to complete delivery by 2026.
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Chu Wen-wu, deputy head of Taiwan’s army planning department, said these deliveries could be delayed.
“It is true that due to changes in the international situation, there may be a risk of delayed delivery of Stinger portable missiles this year,” he told a news conference. “The military will coordinate with the full supply plan and will continue to require the US military to carry it out normally in accordance with the treaty.
Ministry spokesman Sun Li Fang added that General Dynamics Corp.’s (GD.N) purchase of M1A2 Abrams tanks was “normal” – Taiwan plans to buy 108 of them by 2027.
The Taiwan Air Force is also liaising with the United States to ensure that new F-16 fighters are delivered on schedule before 2026, he said.
This is the second time this week the ministry has warned of delayed supplies of American weapons.
On Monday, she said she was considering options for alternative weapons after the United States informed him that the delivery of an artillery system would be delayed due to a “crowded” production line. Read more
Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, is embarking on a military modernization program to improve its ability to repel a Chinese attack, including with precision weapons such as missiles.
U.S. officials are urging Taiwan to modernize its military so that it can become a “porcupine” that is difficult for China to attack.
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Report by Roger Tung and Ben Blanchard. Edited by Gary Doyle
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