Taiwan is considering a significant U.S. weapons purchase, including Aegis destroyers, in preparation for a potential incoming Trump administration. According to multiple sources familiar with the discussions, Taipei may request Lockheed Martin ships and Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne radar system. Taipei also aims to acquire additional Patriot missiles and may seek F-35 fighter jets, which could spark debate in Washington.
“Taiwan is exploring this package to demonstrate its commitment,” a former Trump administration official told the Financial Times. The official added, “If Taiwan follows through, they can present an assertive defense proposal to the incoming U.S. national security adviser.”
These negotiations are occurring as Trump’s call for allies to increase defense spending has raised concerns among U.S. allies. Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and potential nominee for a senior National Security Council role, also encouraged Taiwan to allocate more to its defense.
A senior Taiwanese national security official informed the Financial Times that informal discussions with the Trump team suggest that a robust arms package would signal Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defense.
“Our armed forces have long considered several large platforms and other systems, but they’ve been out of reach. Now, we have ample options to consider,” the official explained.
Another Taiwanese official indicated that Aegis would be a high priority. However, officials and defense experts emphasized that Taiwan could benefit from other essential yet costly equipment with more substantial impacts.
“If Taiwan has a wish list, now is the time to ask for F-35s,” said Su Tzu-yun, a senior official at the National Institute for Defense and Security Studies, a research arm of Taiwan’s defense ministry. Su also mentioned Taiwan’s likely interest in acquiring retired Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Perry-class frigates.
“Taiwan’s focus on increasing its defense investment is on target,” stated Heino Klinck, a former senior Pentagon official from Trump’s first term. Klinck added that spending minimums should apply to partners facing existential threats. However, he stressed prioritizing critical assets like munitions, command and control systems, air and missile defense, and necessary defense reforms.
“Requesting F-35s may not be financially or operationally practical,” Klinck noted.
Insiders revealed that Taiwan might request up to 60 F-35 fighters, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 decommissioned warships, and 400 Patriot missiles—a package valued at over $15 billion, according to Su’s estimates.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, chairman of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, acknowledged Washington’s recognition of Taiwan’s progress in defense spending but highlighted more work ahead. He pointed out that Colby has a “laser focus” on Taiwan’s defense budget, adding that a substantial arms package could serve as a strategic starting point with a new administration.
Taiwanese officials downplayed concerns about potential policy shifts in a second Trump administration. “Strong bipartisan support for Taiwan is evident,” said a second official to the Financial Times. “This support is reflected in ongoing legislation and resolutions to reinforce U.S.-Taiwan relations.”
During Trump’s first term, arms sales to Taiwan included 11 packages totaling $21 billion for assets like F-16 fighters and Abrams tanks. The Biden administration has also approved deals worth $7 billion, advocating for Taiwan to allocate funds toward stockpiling ammunition and mobile weapons suited for deterring superior forces rather than larger traditional systems.
The Taiwan arms package is coordinated by two experienced U.S.-Taiwan veterans, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Adviser Joseph Wu. When questioned, Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te, declined to confirm whether senior officials had discussed specific arms procurement proposals with Trump’s team.
Faced with an escalating military threat from China in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions, Taiwan and neighboring countries are strengthening their defenses, Kuo noted.
Trump’s transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington urged the U.S. to “halt arms sales and military ties with Taiwan,” cautioning Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party against “attempting to increase military capabilities to secede by relying on outside forces, risking regional conflict and war.”
