Taiwan has outlined an extensive weapons procurement plan under a proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget, as the island accelerates preparations to counter growing military pressure from China. The budget, covering 2026 through 2033, was announced by President Lai Ching-te and is designed to enhance Taiwan’s defensive resilience while strengthening its domestic defense manufacturing base.
The Ministry of National Defense released the procurement list following a closed-door legislative briefing, responding to opposition demands for greater transparency. Lawmakers from the KMT and TPP had repeatedly delayed the bill, citing insufficient detail on planned acquisitions. Defense officials said the disclosure was necessary to advance modernization efforts and ensure sustained readiness, particularly as several items overlap with US-approved arms sales finalized in late 2025.
The acquisition plan prioritizes precision artillery and long-range strike systems, including M109A7 howitzers and HIMARS rocket artillery, supported by thousands of guided munitions. A major emphasis is placed on uncrewed and asymmetric warfare capabilities, with large-scale procurement of aerial drones, loitering munitions, uncrewed surface vessels, and counter-drone systems intended to strengthen coastal defense and reconnaissance operations.
Further categories include anti-armor missile systems, AI-enabled military networks, and expanded wartime sustainment and production capacity, such as domestic ammunition manufacturing, armored vehicle assembly, night-vision equipment, and mobile battlefield-denial systems. Approximately NT$300 billion of the total budget will fund indigenous programs, while the remainder supports overseas procurement and joint Taiwan-US development efforts. The plan also allocates funding for urgent munitions purchases to boost stockpiles and training readiness as Taiwan prepares for prolonged high-intensity operations.
