The US Department of Defense has awarded Raytheon a $698.9-million contract to deliver NASAMS air-defense fire units to Taiwan. Work will be carried out in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, with completion expected by February 2031.
Funded through the Pentagon’s FY 2026 foreign military sales program, the award follows Washington’s recent approval of a separate $330-million fighter jet spare parts package. Taiwan’s FY 2026 defense budget publicly included NASAMS for the first time, earmarking about NT$35.7 billion ($1.1 billion) for radars, launchers, training, and pre-delivery activities through 2030.
Two Taiwanese officers were deployed to the US last month to oversee contract progress, delivery timelines, and logistics. Taiwan’s defense ministry emphasized that NASAMS—battle-tested in the Russia-Ukraine conflict—will significantly enhance its air-defense network amid persistent tensions with China.
The system integrates automated sensors, tracking technologies, and command software to rapidly detect and neutralize threats. The new launchers will be supported by two radars designed to extend detection range and counter electronic interference. Once operational, NASAMS will join Taiwan’s medium- and long-range missile systems to form a multilayered defensive shield across bases, ports, and radar installations.
