25 U.S. defense contractors plan first Taiwan trip in four years

 

 

25 U.S. defense contractors plan first Taiwan trip in four years

 

WASHINGTON -- Around 25 U.S. defense contractors plan to send representatives to Taiwan in early May to discuss joint production of drones and ammunition, Nikkei has learned. This would be the first large group of envoys focused specifically on the defense industry to visit Taiwan from the U.S. since 2019.
 
 

US-Taiwan Business Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers told Nikkei that the Taiwanese side is interested in drones -- airborne, surface and subsea -- as well as ammunition. Drones can be used for both surveillance and armed attacks and are considered a critical tool in deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
 
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is urging some European countries to help arm Taiwan as well. Sweden is one candidate.

The Excalibur guided artillery shell, developed jointly by U.S.-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Swedish partner BAE Systems Bofors, can be used in precision strikes and is seen bolstering Taiwan's defensive capabilities.