Taiwan’s military modernization efforts have been hampered in recent years by a growing backlog of weapons it has purchased from the United States. This backlog includes key defensive systems such as HIMARS rocket launchers, F-16 fighter jets, and Abrams tanks. While Taiwan’s desire to bolster its defenses in the face of a rising China is understandable, the lengthy wait times for these weapons raise many concerns.
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The Scope of the Backlog
The exact size of the backlog is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. The most high-profile items on the list include:
- HIMARS rocket launchers: These mobile platforms can launch precision-guided missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, making them a valuable asset in deterring or repelling an invasion.
- F-16 fighter jets: These versatile aircraft are the backbone of Taiwan’s air force, but the delivery of new F-16Vs has been delayed for years.
- Abrams tanks: These heavy tanks are seen as essential for defending against a potential Chinese amphibious landing. However, Taiwan’s order for Abrams tanks has been stalled since 2019.
Reasons for the Delays
Several factors have contributed to the delays in deliveries of US weapons to Taiwan. These include:
- Production bottlenecks: The US defense industry is currently facing a backlog of orders from other countries, which has limited production capacity for Taiwan’s weapons.
- Political considerations: The US government is concerned about angering China by supplying Taiwan with advanced weapons. This has led to delays in approving arms sales and in granting export licenses.
- Technical challenges: Some of the weapons on Taiwan’s wish list, such as the F-16Vs, are still under development, which has pushed back the delivery timeline.
The Impact of the Delays
The delays in receiving US weapons have had some negative consequences for Taiwan. These include:
- Increased vulnerability: The longer Taiwan waits for new weapons, the more vulnerable it is to a potential Chinese attack.
- Eroding deterrence: The delays could embolden China to take a more aggressive stance towards Taiwan, as they may perceive Taiwan’s military as being weaker than it actually is.
- Damage to US credibility: The US government’s commitment to Taiwan’s security has been called into question by the delays in arms deliveries.
Looking Ahead
The issue of Taiwan’s wait time for US weapons is likely to remain a contentious one in the years to come. The US government will need to carefully balance its desire to support Taiwan’s self-defense with its concerns about provoking China. Taiwan, meanwhile, will need to explore alternative sources of weapons and develop its own indigenous defense capabilities to reduce its dependence on the United States.
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