Taiwan is planning to expand its US-made anti-armor missile inventory after military assessments identified gaps in existing stockpiles.
Taiwan is planning to expand its US-made anti-armor missile inventory after military assessments identified gaps in existing stockpiles, local media reported.
Under a newly approved defense budget, Taipei intends to procure 24 additional TOW launchers and 1,545 TOW 2B missiles, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.
This would increase the total inventory to 124 launchers and 3,245 missiles.
Taiwan is also seeking 70 additional Javelin launch units and 1,050 missiles, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2031, bringing the total Javelin inventory to 112 launchers and 1,450 missiles.
The move follows an assessment from recent Han Kuang military exercises, which found Taiwan’s anti-armor capabilities insufficient for operational requirements in scenarios involving large-scale amphibious or mechanized assaults.
US advisory teams reportedly recommended expanding anti-tank weapon reserves as part of broader efforts to improve combat readiness.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said all previously ordered BGM-71 TOW 2B and FGM-148 Javelin missiles have already been delivered and distributed to operational units.
Earlier procurements included 1,700 TOW 2B missiles and 400 Javelins.
TOW and Javelin Capabilities
The TOW 2B is a longer-range anti-armor missile with a range of up to 4,500 meters (14,750 feet), designed for top-attack engagements against armored vehicles.
It can also be used against fortified positions, amphibious assault vehicles, and landing craft.
The shoulder-fired Javelin gives infantry a more mobile anti-tank option.
Its fire-and-forget guidance allows operators to take cover immediately after launch, while its attack profile is designed to defeat modern armored vehicles.
Taipei’s Defense Under Pressure
The planned procurement comes as Taiwan continues to strengthen its asymmetric defense posture in response to growing military pressure from China, which claims the island as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force.
The issue also comes amid questions over US arms deliveries.
Earlier this month, acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao told lawmakers that some foreign military sales, including Taiwan’s backlog of weapons purchases, had been temporarily paused to ensure sufficient US munitions for ongoing operations in the Middle East.
Taipei, however, said it had received no indication that Washington intended to alter existing arms sale commitments.
