Summary
Taiwan is considering buying more Patriot missile defense systems from the United States because of rising missile threats from China. Taiwan already has Patriot systems on order and is monitoring their delivery. The U.S. is a key supplier of defense weapons to Taiwan, even though they do not have official diplomatic ties.
Key Facts
- Taiwan wants to buy more Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. due to threats from China.
- The current Patriot systems ordered by Taiwan are on track for delivery.
- China has been increasing its missile capabilities near Taiwan.
- The U.S. has an obligation to supply Taiwan with defensive arms.
- Taiwan plans to acquire additional PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) systems.
- China's military exercises have previously included missile launches near Taiwan.
- Lockheed Martin received a large contract to produce more PAC-3 MSE missile interceptors.
- The Pentagon reported that China could target key sites in Taiwan to weaken its defenses.
