Army Command Press release by the Army Command

August 6, 110 at 0700

In response to the media reports that "the cost of arms sales of M109A6 turreted self-propelled howitzers sold to Taiwan by the US has been too steep, while guided artillery shells are not included in the package," the Army Command offered the following elaboration today (6):

1. The Army has based this decision on the needs of defense operations as it considers the overall defense resources, so that it has put forth the requests to purchase 40 units of new M109A6 155mm turreted self-propelled howitzers from the United States, which are currently the main equipment of the U.S. military. The acquisition of such equipment can help improve the response and fire support efficiency of the ground forces.

2. The amount announced on the DSCA website is US$750 million, which is the upper limit of "available items for sale" in the entire case, and they include industrial cooperation, transfer of key technology, US purchase proposal of ancillary equipment, logistics support services, etc. As a follow-up, the Army will carry out comprehensive consideration and select the most suitable project within the statutory budget that can meet combat power requirements and achieve the goal effectively, thus enhancing the combat power of homeland defense.

3. The precision guidance kit (PGK) announced by the US that it sold to us can be used in conjunction with existing extended range ammunition of the Army. Furthermore, it is obviously helpful to improve the effectiveness of "long-range and precise" strikes. Given its clear and prominent effect, the Army would like to call for the support of all our nationals.

Lieutenant General Yang An, spokesperson of the Army Command 0965-295908