Taiwan ramps up defence spending as US policy shifts loom

Taiwan is weighing a significant arms purchase from the United States, including advanced weaponry such as the Aegis destroyer, to signal to the incoming Trump administration its commitment to bolstering defence capabilities against potential threats from China.

According to multiple sources familiar with the discussions, Taipei is likely to request Lockheed Martin’s Aegis-class vessels and Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne radar system, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Additionally, Taiwan aims to acquire more Patriot missiles and may even seek F-35 fighter jets, a move that could spark debate in Washington.

"Taiwan is thinking about a package to show that they are serious," said a former official from the Trump administration. "Assuming they follow through, they will go to the US national security adviser once they are appointed and present a very aggressive package of American hardware."

These plans are unfolding as global allies reassess their defence spending strategies in light of Trump’s emphasis on greater military investment from US partners. Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and potential candidate for a senior role in the National Security Council or the Pentagon, has been a vocal proponent of increased Taiwanese defence spending. "Those who care about Taiwan should be super clear they need to dramatically step up. Their fate hangs in the balance," he wrote recently on social media platform X.

A senior Taiwanese national security official acknowledged that "informal discussions" had taken place with Trump’s team about what kind of weapons package would best demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve to enhance its defence. "There are quite a few big platforms and other items that our armed forces have had their eyes on for a long time but have not been able to acquire, so there’s a lot to choose from," the official noted.

Another Taiwanese official emphasized that the Aegis system would likely be a high priority, although other costly platforms might create a stronger impression. "If you are talking about a wish list, this is the time to ask for F-35s," said Su Tzu-yun, a senior expert at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a think tank under the Taiwanese defence ministry. Su added that Taiwan might also consider requesting retired Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.

Sources close to the matter suggested Taiwan could request up to 60 F-35 fighters, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 decommissioned warships, and 400 Patriot missiles — a package that Su estimated could exceed $15 billion in value. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, noted that while Washington recognizes Taiwan’s progress in defence spending, further efforts are needed. He highlighted Colby’s intense focus on the issue and described the proposed arms package as "a down payment" designed to align positively with the new administration.

Despite concerns about a second Trump administration’s potential impact, Taiwanese officials remain confident in strong bipartisan support. "There is strong bipartisan backing for Taiwan, as you can see from the steady flow of legislation and resolutions aimed at bolstering support for Taiwan," said the second official. "The first Trump administration oversaw more frequent and higher-level visits and unblocked arms sales to our country."

During Trump’s initial term, the US approved 11 arms deals for Taiwan worth $21 billion, including F-16 jets and Abrams tanks. By comparison, the Biden administration has sanctioned $7 billion in arms sales but has pushed Taiwan to allocate funds toward stockpiling munitions and procuring more mobile, cost-effective weapons to deter a superior force rather than traditional, high-cost systems.

Reacting to these developments, the Chinese embassy in Washington urged the US to "stop arms sales to, and military interactions with, Taiwan." It further called on Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to "abandon their attempts of seeking secession by banking on external forces and building up military capabilities, and stop leading Taiwan toward conflict and war."

By Tamilla Hasanova