US Announces $280M Sale of Information Communications System to Taiwan

The U.S. State Department approved the sale to Taiwan of a Field Information Communications System (FICS) and related equipment at an estimated cost of $280 million.

In a release, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the sale “is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96.”

The objective of the Public Law 96, or the Taiwan Relations Act, is to ensure Taipei’s security by selling advanced weapons and technology, support the island nation’s membership in international organizations and promote its democracy in China and abroad. The Six Assurances, made by then-President Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982, pledge not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan and not to consult with China on those arms sales.

This proposed sale is designed to provide mobile and secure communications. It will contribute to the recipient's goal to modernize its military communication’s capability in support of their mission and operational needs. The recipient will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces, DSCA stated further.

China has been vehemently opposing the U.S.’ moves to support Taiwan and has sanctioned American firms selling arms to the country. It wants to "unify" the renegade island by force.

“We express sincere gratitude to the State Department to approve the FMS (FICS) which is on the procedure of notifying Congress. The FMS is based on the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances that strengthen our defense capabilities and maintain regional peace and stability,” Taiwan’s defense ministry said.

“It also enables the country to maintain a robust defense in the face of China's military provocations, as well as Indo-Pacific peace & stability,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreigh Affairs tweeted.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) had requested to buy 154 Communications Nodes (CN) with S-788 Type III shelter; 24 Communication Relays with S-788 Type III shelter; 8 Network Management Systems (NMS) with S-788 Type III shelter; Basic Issue Items (BII); program management support; verification testing; system technical support; transportation; spare and repair parts; communication support equipment; communication equipment integration; tools and test equipment; personnel training and training equipment; initial repair and return program; Additional Authorized List (AAL); technical manuals; Quality Assurance Team (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; contractor provided training; Field Service Representatives (FSR); and other related elements of logistics and program support.