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AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Missiles, one of the US weapons supplied to Taiwan during President Joe Biden’s administration. Photo/US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin V Cunningham
JAKARTA – Even though it is a country that often provokes China’s anger, the United States (US) weapons production is still being supplied in several countries, including Taiwan .
US weapons supplies to the island have continued under President Joe Biden’s administration. Although relatively few, some of these weapons are considered successful in strengthening the Taiwanese military.
5 US Weapons Supplied to Taiwan by Joe Biden
1. M109A6 Paladin Artillery System
The M109A6 Paladin Artillery System is an alternative weapon provided by the United States to Taiwan. The Chinese-claimed island orders Paladin M109A6 with a deal value of USD 750 million in 2021.
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The M109A6 Paladin is a self-propelled howitzer (SPH) artillery system developed by the United Defense LP ground systems division. This weapon is included in the long-range artillery category because it has a range of 24 km to 30 km.
The artillery has a 155mm M284 .39 caliber gun fitted with an M182 gun mount. The Paladin M109A6 can achieve a maximum rate of fire of up to eight rounds per minute, or three rounds in 15 seconds.
2. AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Missiles
In 2022, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to purchase 60 AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II missiles for immediate delivery to its territory.
With an agreement value of USD 85.6 million, the AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II is known to be one of the missiles that has a capable power. This weapon has a high-explosive warhead that can easily destroy enemy defenses.
The AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II missile has a length of 4.62m, while the length of the air-launched missile is only 3.84m. The diameter of this missile is 34.3cm, while the weight varies between 526kg to 690.8kg based on the launch configuration.
3. AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles
Quoted from Focus Taiwan, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has signed a contract to purchase 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles and related components worth NT$2.394 billion (USD78.63 million) from the United States.
The AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder is a complementary missile of the AIM 9M generation and is the most advanced that the US has. The advantage of this missile is that it can be attached to the fuselage and can reach the target while on the ground.
