TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced on Thursday (April 11) the signing of a NT$8.2 billion (US$254 million) military communication systems deal with the U.S.

According to an MND press release, the offer letter was signed by the U.S. government on April 2, reported CNA.

The agreement calls for the maintenance of Taiwan’s current military communications system, software updates, and other support services. It also calls for U.S. technical teams to be dispatched to Taiwan to maintain the system.

A military source familiar with the matter said that Taiwan’s military has been using the current system for 18 years, Liberty Times reported. However, due lack of maintenance support and costs affecting performance in the military, the MND has decided to ask the U.S. for technical assistance, the source added.

The MND plans on upgrading its aging system with a new one from the U.S. to ensure stable communications for Taiwan’s military and increase combat readiness, the source added.

The maintenance agreement will be valid from April 2 to Dec. 31, 2028.