2020/11/04
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release about sales of "MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" from the US to us (November 4,2020)
The Department of Defense (MND) state today (4th) the that US government "notified Congress" on November 3rd Eastern Time about "MQ-9B UAV" sales to Taiwan of a total value of US$600 million. It is expected that the sale should officially go through in one month’s time.
The MND pointed out that the United States is continuing to supply and sell defensive weapons based on the "Taiwan Relations Act" and the "Six Assurances", following on from two previous arms sales to Taiwan of four required weapons and pieces of equipment. With such arms sales, they should enhance our joint surveillance and reconnaissance, strengthen our overall defensive capabilities, and ensure peace and stability around the region of the Taiwan Strait. The MND would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the US on its decision to sell these arms.
The MND emphasizes that the budget for all foreign military procurement of the Armed Forces must be sent to Legislative Yuan for review and approval, following which related operations will then be carried out in accordance with the approved budget so that weapons and equipment can be obtained on schedule and be of the desired quality.