TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US announced the potential sale of aircraft spare parts to Taiwan on Monday (Sept. 16).

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Taiwan requested to purchase “the return, repair, and reshipment of classified and unclassified spare parts for aircraft and related equipment” and related logistics and support. The package has an estimated cost of US$228 million (NT$7.26 billion).

The spare parts will boost Taiwan’s “ability to meet current and future threats,” DSCA said. The items will be transferred from US government stock, it added.

The announcement comes after a US Department of Defense's (DoD) Inspector General report found the DoD “did not effectively or efficiently implement accountability and quality controls for items delivered to Taiwan using the Presidential Drawdown Authority.”

According to the report, the Pentagon shipped 120 of 340 rain-damaged pallets to Taiwan in December 2023. The pallets contained body armor that was “wet and moldy.” 

Taiwan also received 2.7 million rounds of ammunition, of which many were expired, loose, and improperly packaged.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) pointed out Tuesday’s announcement is the 16th arms sale under the Biden administration. This reaffirms the US’ "rock-solid" security commitment to Taiwan, it said.

“Taiwan is committed to safeguarding the well-being and freedom of its people, as well as preserving its democratic way of life,” MOFA said. The ministry also pledged to deepen the security partnership with the US to protect rules-based international order and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Ministry of National Defense thanked the US for the sale, saying it will “maintain the readiness and operational status of Taiwan’s Air Force.” The defense ministry said China’s frequent gray-zone tactics continue to put pressure on Taiwan near its air and maritime borders.