Taiwan to buy 100 Sidewinder missiles from US

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has signed a contract to purchase 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles and related components worth NT$2.394 billion (US$78.63 million) from the United States that are expected to be fully delivered by 2030.

The contract covers 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles and four AIM-9X Block II tactical Guidance Units, along with related parts and support, the unnamed source said, Focus Taiwan reports.

The deal is part of an US$1.106 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the sixth approved by U.S President Joe Biden, in September 2022, which also includes 60 AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Missiles as well as Contract Logistics Support for the Surveillance Radar Program and related equipment, according to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The proposed purchase of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles will contribute to the modernization of the recipient's capability to meet current and future threats, and help achieve the recipient's goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies, the DSCA said in a statement issued in September 2022.

According to the military source, the AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles will be delivered to Taiwan in batches and will be deployed to a military base in eastern Taiwan's Taitung County.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, manufactured by Raytheon Technologies Corp, is the most advanced infrared-tracking short-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile in the world. The AIM-9X Block II is the current version of the AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missile, in use by more than 40 nations, according to aerocontact.com.