Taiwan Cleared to Buy U.S.-made Anti-Tank Mine Laying Volcano System

The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of Volcano (vehicle-launched) anti-tank munition-laying systems and related equipment to Taiwan for an estimated cost of $180 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy Volcano (vehicle-launched) anti-tank munition-laying systems; M977A4 HEMTT 10-Ton cargo trucks; M87A1 Anti-Tank (AT) munitions; M88 canister training munitions (practice dummy ammunition rounds); M89 training munitions (test ammunition rounds); organic U.S. Army Depot build of Volcano system permanently mounted on M977A4 HEMTT truck; and relates support and equipment.

This proposed sale is consistent with Taiwan Relations Act.

The principal contractors will be Northrup Grumman, West Falls Church, VA for production of munition canister mines; and Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, WI for production of the M977A4 HEMTT vehicles.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement that by enabling the rapid delivery of landmines over a large area, the equipment included in the sale should significantly boost Taiwan's asymmetrical warfare capabilities. This is because the mine dispensing system is highly mobile and can allow more efficient anti-tank mines placement, the ministry said.