Ricard Saunders, KL
The United States is preparing a major arms sale to Taiwan that is expected to include advanced command-and-control systems, surface-to-air missiles, sophisticated radar units, and counter-drone defenses, according to an informed source who spoke on condition of anonymity yesterday.
The anticipated package aligns with Washington’s continued support of Taiwan’s defense modernization efforts and could be worth up to US$20 billion, as first reported by the Financial Times last week. The move is also intended to accelerate President William Lai’s (賴清德) “T-Dome” initiative — a nationwide integrated defense network designed to shield the island from potential Chinese military strikes.
Key Systems in the Proposed Deal
The source said the upcoming arms package is likely to feature several cornerstone defense systems, including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) systems, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors (LTAMDS).
The IBCS, a cutting-edge U.S. military technology, can integrate multiple types of air defense missiles currently in Taiwan’s inventory or on order, enabling unified control of missile operations. The PAC-3 MSE missiles, the source added, would be supplied in quantities sufficient to arm at least one new air defense battalion.
The NASAMS platform would strengthen Taiwan’s low- to medium-altitude air defense, while the LTAMDS radar — the latest in its class — is expected to replace older Patriot radar systems and significantly enhance detection and tracking precision.
Together with existing PAC-3 and Tien Kung (天弓, “Sky Bow”) missile systems, these upgrades aim to create a seamless, AI-supported defensive shield against incoming aerial threats.
Counter-Drone and Mobile Defenses
In addition, Washington is believed to be preparing a sale of Mobile-Acquisition, Cueing and Effector (M-ACE) counter-drone systems capable of both “soft-kill” electronic disruption and “hard-kill” physical interception.
The M-ACE is an integrated mobile platform combining radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, a 30mm autocannon, and electronic warfare equipment. Mounted on tactical vehicles, it can detect, track, and destroy hostile drones, including swarms, while being guided by AI-enhanced battlefield management tools.
Talks regarding this system reportedly stemmed from earlier discussions between Taiwan’s Military Police units and U.S. counterparts about strengthening drone defenses — particularly around key government sites in the Boai (博愛) Special Zone.
The “T-Dome” Defense Vision
Taiwan’s top military officer, Admiral Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹), confirmed late last year that the “T-Dome” program would consolidate existing missile systems under one AI-driven command network, incorporating the new Tien Kung IV missile and advanced radar infrastructure.
Officials have described the initiative as a multi-layered defense grid capable of responding to different types of aerial attacks across varying altitudes — a crucial step in reinforcing Taiwan’s readiness amid growing regional tensions.
