TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has placed an order for thousands of US shoulder-fired FIM-92 Stinger missiles, with deliveries to begin this year.
A military source told Liberty Times on Thursday that Taiwan has purchased 2,621 Stinger missiles from the US. The first batch of 500 missiles, along with launch systems, will be delivered by the end of the year, with the Army and Navy each receiving 250 missiles
The remaining 2,121 missiles will be delivered in stages over subsequent years to the Army, Navy, and Military Police. The Army’s second batch, planned for 2031, will include 1,985 missiles, 549 launch systems, and 549 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
The Navy’s second batch, also planned for 2031, will include 45 missiles, 15 launch systems, and 15 IFF systems. The Military Police will be the last unit to receive Stingers, totaling 91 missiles, 21 launch systems, and 21 IFF systems.
Military Police deliveries will be staggered, with 63 missiles, 21 launch systems, and 21 IFF systems arriving in 2028. The remaining 28 missiles will arrive in 2030.
The Stinger gained prominence in the Russia-Ukraine war and has recently been deployed in Taiwan’s military. During this year’s Han Kuang exercises, the Marine Corps, Military Police, and Army operated newly acquired Stingers for close-range air defense.
The weapon has a maximum range of about 4.8 km and can reach speeds up to Mach 2.54, capable of intercepting enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. While normally operated by two soldiers, it can also be used by a single individual.
