RTX Wins $700M Contract for Ukraine-Proven Air Defense Systems Bound for Taiwan

Defense contractor RTX has been awarded a substantial $700 million contract to provide Taiwan with advanced air defense systems that have demonstrated battlefield effectiveness in Ukraine. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) represents a significant capability addition for Taiwan, which faces ongoing security challenges from China’s military activities.
The Pentagon’s announcement specified that RTX received a firm fixed-price contract for the procurement of NASAMS units, with completion anticipated by February 2031. The funding, totaling $698,948,760, comes from fiscal year 2026 allocations specifically designated for foreign military sales to Taiwan. This acquisition makes Taiwan the third Indo-Pacific nation to operate NASAMS, following Australia and Indonesia, and delivers on commitments made in a broader $2 billion defense package announced last year.
American officials in Taiwan have reinforced the message that support for the island’s defense remains unwavering. The de facto ambassador in Taipei told business leaders that American commitments are “rock solid” and backed by tangible actions rather than mere words. The official highlighted growing defense industrial cooperation as a primary example of how the United States supports Taiwan’s goal of achieving peace through demonstrable defensive strength.
This sale represents the second major weapons transaction confirmed within a single week, following a $330 million authorization for fighter jet and aircraft parts just days earlier. Together, these deals total $1 billion in approved military equipment, signaling robust American engagement with Taiwan’s security requirements. The aircraft components deal marked the first such approval since the current presidential administration took office in January, drawing thanks from Taipei and criticism from Beijing.
The weapons sales unfold amid heightened regional tensions involving China, Taiwan, and Japan. Recent incidents include Chinese coast guard operations near disputed East China Sea islands and drone flights through sensitive airspace between Taiwan and Japanese territory. Taiwan’s defense minister has publicly urged China to renounce military force as a means of settling disagreements. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which the island’s government flatly rejects. Chinese military forces operate around Taiwan almost daily in what Taipei characterizes as “grey zone” tactics intended to strain defensive resources. Taiwan continues investing in military modernization, including domestic submarine production to protect critical maritime supply routes. The United States maintains legal obligations to provide Taiwan with adequate defensive means, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties and Beijing’s consistent opposition to such support.