Why in news?
The United States has approved a US$700 million sale of National Advanced Surface‑to‑Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Taiwan. Announced on 18 November 2025 as part of a larger US$2 billion security assistance package, the deal is financed through U.S. taxpayer funds and is scheduled for completion by 2031. The sale underscores Washington’s commitment to strengthening Taiwan’s air defence amid rising tensions with China.
Background
NASAMS is a short‑ to medium‑range ground‑based air defence system jointly developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway and RTX (Raytheon Technologies) of the United States. First fielded in Norway in the late 1990s, NASAMS has evolved into the world’s first operational network‑centric air defence system. Its modular architecture allows sensors, command posts and launchers to be distributed over a wide area and connected through secure communications links.
Features of NASAMS
- Network‑centric design: NASAMS integrates multiple radars, command posts and launchers via a digital network. This allows the system to detect, track and engage multiple targets simultaneously and to share information with other air‑defence assets.
- Sensors and effectors: A typical NASAMS battery consists of a Fire Distribution Centre (FDC), active 3D radars (such as the AN/MPQ‑64 Sentinel), passive electro‑optical and infrared sensors, and missile canisters. It fires AIM‑120 AMRAAM and AMRAAM‑ER missiles, which have beyond‑visual‑range capability.
- Mobility and flexibility: The launchers and radars are mounted on wheeled vehicles, making the system highly mobile and suitable for varied terrain. NASAMS can protect air bases, ports, population centres and critical infrastructure.
- Integration with other systems: It can be linked with long‑range systems like the Patriot and with national air defence networks. NASAMS has defended Washington D.C. since 2005 and is in service in numerous countries, including Norway, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Indonesia and Ukraine.
Significance of the sale to Taiwan
- Strengthening air defence: Taiwan faces increasing pressure from China’s air force and missile arsenal. NASAMS will provide a modern, integrated layer of defence against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
- Geopolitical message: The sale demonstrates U.S. support for Taiwan under the Taiwan Enhancement of Security Act and signals deterrence in the Indo‑Pacific region. It follows previous transfers of F‑16 fighters, Patriot missiles and other equipment.
- Extended timeline: Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2031. The long lead time reflects the complexity of manufacturing and training, as well as the need to integrate the system into Taiwan’s command and control architecture.
- Regional context: Apart from Australia and Indonesia, no other country in Asia currently operates NASAMS. Taiwan’s acquisition thus expands the system’s footprint in the region.
Significance
The NASAMS sale reinforces Taiwan’s capacity to defend itself and highlights the evolving security architecture in the Indo‑Pacific. It also underscores U.S. efforts to balance China’s growing military presence. However, the transfer may elicit criticism from Beijing, which views such sales as interference in its internal affairs.
Source: Source: THE HINDU · Kongsberg Defence
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