TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is reportedly considering new US arms purchases to demonstrate to the Trump administration the country's determination to boost defense.
On Monday (Nov. 11), the Financial Times cited several sources as saying Taiwan is mulling a massive weapons deal that could include Aegis destroyers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, Patriot missiles, and F-35 fighter jets. One former Trump administration official said Taiwan is weighing these purchases to “show that they are serious.”
If the plan moves forward, Taiwan would approach Trump's new national security advisor to propose the deal, said the former Trump official.
A high-level Taiwanese official said informal discussions had taken place with the Trump camp regarding what types of weapons Taiwan might try to purchase. The official said there are several large US weapons systems Taiwan has been eyeing but has not been able to acquire, so there are many options to consider.
Another Taiwanese official indicated Aegis destroyers would be a top priority. However, some officials and defense experts believe Taiwan needs to buy more expensive weaponry to leave a bigger impression on the Trump administration.
Institute for National Defense and Security Research Director Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) said now would be the right time to request F-35 fighter jets. He also said Taiwan might wish to purchase decommissioned Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.
Former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby, who is a possible appointee to a defense or national security position in a second Trump administration, has repeatedly called for Taiwan to increase its military spending. Colby on Sept. 20 wrote on X, “Those who care about Taiwan should be super clear they need to dramatically step up. Their fate hangs in the balance."
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia Heino Klinck said Taiwan’s strategy to bolster its defenses is correct and several historic military sales were approved during Trump’s first term. Klinck called for “minimal (spending) thresholds for partners facing an existential threat.”
However, Klinck argued that Taiwan’s request for F-35s “would not make much sense operationally or fiscally.” He suggested that Taiwan should prioritize procuring ammunition, air defense systems, and command and control systems, and initiate defense reforms.
Sources said Taiwan could seek “as many as 60 F-35 fighters, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships and 400 Patriot missiles.” Su estimated these procurements would total more than US$15 billion (NT$485 billion).
Su believes that Trump’s previous remarks about Taiwan allocating 10% of its GDP to military spending should be considered exaggerations. He said the actual message is likely that “the US is willing to assist NATO, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries, but expects these countries to contribute resources more equitably toward self-defense.”
During Trump’s first term, 11 rounds of military sales to Taiwan were approved, totaling US$21 billion, including F-16s and M1 Abrams tanks, according to Financial Times. The Biden administration has approved US$7 billion in military sales to Taiwan.
