Taiwan Security Monitor (台灣安全觀測站)

ARMS UPDATE: On Wednesday, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a US$439.39 million contract for procurement of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) guided missiles and launching assemblies. Taiwan FMS funds in the amount of $439.39 million will be obligated. Work is expected to be completed by February 2031.

Source: taipeitimes.com/News/front/arc…

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Global UAV Academy (GUAVA) signed a letter of intent with the Japan Drone Consortium to expand bilateral cooperation on a non-PRC drone supply chain. The agreement will focus on supply chain resilience, training, certification, R&D, and talent development. Taiwan highlighted its manufacturing base, semiconductor industry, and network of more than 300 drone-related firms as key advantages, while both sides emphasized secure, cyber-resilient unmanned systems as a shared national security priority.

Source: ydn.com.tw/tw/News/ugC_Ne…

Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo told the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of National Defense is refining its procurement strategy and contract management processes to reduce delays in acquiring military equipment. The MND cited supply chain disruptions, production delays, geopolitical factors, and the growing complexity of advanced weapons systems as key challenges. Planned reforms include enhanced market research, supply chain analysis, standardized phased acceptance procedures, strengthened supplier security reviews, and revised contract terms aimed at improving on-time delivery and accelerating force modernization.

Source: taiwannews.com.tw/news/6404312

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has begun domestic production of RDX high explosive after canceling a NT$590 million procurement contract with a private importer that failed to obtain an export license within the required deadline. The ministry fined the contractor NT$83.9 million, barred it from future defense procurement, and said expanding indigenous RDX production will reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for a critical munition component.

Source: ydn.com.tw/tw/News/ugC_Ne…

The ROCA's Aviation 602nd Brigade recently deployed a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to support the Special Operations Training Center's fast-rope refresher training. The exercise focused on maintaining joint interoperability between Army Aviation and special operations forces, rehearsing helicopter insertion techniques used to rapidly deploy personnel into areas where landing is not feasible.

Source: ydn.com.tw/tw/News/ugC_Ne…

The ROCA's 584th Combined Arms Brigade completed a combat-readiness evaluation using M1A2T tanks at the Northern Joint Test and Evaluation Center. Crews calibrated the tanks’ 120 mm guns and M153 remote weapon stations before engaging stationary targets from both static and moving positions. The drills also tested the M1A2T’s commander’s independent thermal viewer, fire-control system, and ability to rapidly detect and engage multiple targets.

Source: focustaiwan.tw/politics/20260…

The ROCAF is considering procuring the upgraded Teng Yun 2 domestically developed UCAV following improvements to the platform’s endurance and payload capacity. The upgraded drone is powered by the same engine used in the U.S.-made MQ-9B SkyGuardian and would complement Taiwan’s incoming MQ-9B fleet in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and air defense missions. No procurement timeline or purchase quantity has been announced.

Source: war.gov/News/Contracts…

ARMS UPDATE: On Wednesday, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a US$439.39 million contract for procurement of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) guided missiles and launching assemblies. Taiwan FMS funds in the amount of $439.39 million will be obligated. Work is expected to be completed by February 2031.

Source: taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403563

Taiwan plans to acquire 25 unmanned surface vessels and two unmanned underwater vehicles for the Coast Guard as part of a broader effort to strengthen maritime surveillance and respond to growing Chinese gray-zone activity around the island. The systems, being developed by NCSIST with U.S.-based Maritime Tactical Systems, are expected to begin prototype testing in 2027.

Source: taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403527

The U.S. State Department has expressed “deep concern” over Papua New Guinea’s order to immediately close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, calling the move another example of Beijing intimidating Taiwan and countries that support its international participation. Taiwan rejected the decision, which was announced without prior consultation, and said it would continue discussions with the PNG government while considering further responses.

Source: taiwannews.com.tw/news/6403029

Taiwan’s 202nd Military Police Command conducted an urban operations drill on the Taipei MRT on July 16, simulating hostile infiltration targeting the Boai Special Zone and critical infrastructure in Nangang. Military police moved troops, weapons, food, and ammunition through stations and underground platforms to bypass surface disruptions, while also rehearsing counter-infiltration operations and responses to PLA cognitive warfare.