Taiwan plans US-backed ‘defense wall’ to hunt Chinese jets, missiles

Taiwan is planning to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities by potentially acquiring nine additional US-made NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) batteries to complement the three already purchased in October 2024. If completed, this would bring Taiwan’s total to 12 NASAMS batteries, enabling overlapping coverage of key areas against short- and medium-range threats such as Chinese aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The initial purchase, finalized in February 2025 for approximately US$762 million, includes delivery of the first system expected by the end of 2025, though delays are possible. This expansion is part of Taiwan’s broader multi-domain deterrence strategy showcased at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. NASAMS is a network-centric, ground-based air defense system jointly developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the US company Raytheon. It integrates advanced radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and missile launchers equipped with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles