Strengthening Taiwan’s Air Defense: The NASAMS Acquisition
A Significant Contract Award
In a strategic move to enhance Taiwan’s air defense capabilities, the U.S. Army Contracting Command awarded Raytheon Technologies (RTX) a firm-fixed-price contract valued at approximately $698.9 million in mid-November 2025. This deal, announced on November 17, formalizes part of a broader U.S. Foreign Military Sales initiative aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s ground-based air defense systems. The production of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) fire units will occur at Raytheon’s facility in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, with completion expected by February 28, 2031. Notably, Taiwan has allocated funding for this acquisition through its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing national security.
Understanding NASAMS
The NASAMS, a product of collaboration between Raytheon and Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, serves as a short- to medium-range ground-based air defense system. Designed to intercept an array of aerial threats, NASAMS utilizes the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as its primary interceptor. Recent variants of the system are equipped with sophisticated data links, such as Link 16, and are capable of utilizing enhanced versions of the AMRAAM missile, including the AMRAAM-ER and AIM-9X. These features allow it to engage targets effectively over greater distances and altitudes.
A Proven Track Record
NASAMS has evolved from its origins in Norway’s 1990s air defense initiatives to become a staple in NATO’s arsenal. Its deployment is already widespread, including users from the United States, various European nations, Australia, and recently, Ukraine. In the challenging contexts of Ukraine, NASAMS batteries have successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles and drones, proving its operational effectiveness in high-stakes environments. For Taiwan, integrating NASAMS into its defense strategy introduces a versatile mid-range layer, bridging the gap between quick-response short-range defenses and long-range systems like the Patriot missile system.
A Layered Defense Strategy
Taiwan’s air defense strategy aims to create a comprehensive, layered security architecture. While Patriot batteries offer protection against high-altitude and ballistic threats, NASAMS is adept at countering saturation attacks from cruise missiles and low-flying drones. Importantly, since Taiwan’s air force already employs AMRAAM missiles, the NASAMS system can leverage munitions from the same family, including the AMRAAM-ER. This compatibility not only simplifies logistical considerations but also enhances the operational flexibility of military resources.
Political Implications and Regional Context
This contract signifies a robust commitment from both the U.S. and Taiwanese governments. With prior approval from the U.S. Department of State in 2024 for the sale of three NASAMS batteries and a package valued at around $1.16 billion, Taiwan is actively prioritizing its defense budget for the 2024–2030 period to facilitate such acquisitions. U.S. officials have reiterated their unwavering support for Taiwan, particularly as tensions escalate with China, which frequently conducts military exercises and “gray-zone” operations near the island.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister has cautioned against any aggressive actions from China as the nation fortifies its defense posture, underscoring the importance of bolstered deterrence through acquisitions like NASAMS. The contract stands as a clear indicator of continued U.S. backing, enhancing Taiwan’s air defense system against potential aerial threats and reinforcing its sovereignty.
The Broader Defense Landscape
As Taiwan continues to navigate its security landscape amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical context, the NASAMS acquisition reflects not only a commitment to modernizing its military capabilities but also to fostering closer defense ties with the United States. By integrating technologically advanced systems like NASAMS, Taiwan is striving to create a deterrent posture that can respond effectively to evolving threats, ensuring the safety and security of its airspace.
Through the NASAMS contract, Taiwan signals its determination to uphold national security and strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of persistent regional tensions.