Taiwan to Acquire JAVELIN Guided Missile Systems

WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan of 182 JAVELIN guided missile rounds and 20 JAVELIN command launch units, as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $47 million.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested a possible sale of 182 JAVELIN guided missile rounds and 20 JAVELIN command launch units, 40 JAVELIN missile simulation rounds, trainers, rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, personnel training and equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, Quality Assurance Team support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $47 million.

This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.

This sale is consistent with United States law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8. The U.S. is committed to providing military assistance under the terms of the Taiwan Relations Act.

The recipient will use these JAVELIN missile systems to enhance its direct fire capability for infantry, cavalry, and commando units against armored vehicles, buildings and field fortifications. This system will provide the recipient with a strong man-portable direct fire capability and a credible defense that is critical to successful operations. The recipient previously acquired JAVELIN from the United States in 2002 and will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon/Lockheed-Martin JAVELIN Joint Venture in Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of a U.S. Government Quality Assurance Team consisting of one contractor and two U.S. Government representatives in country for five days to accomplish the initial deployment of the missiles.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.