Ex-US admiral touts US arms sales as important for Taiwan defenseStaff writer, with CNARetired US Navy rear admiral Mark Montgomery yesterday said that the US' latest arms sales to Taiwan are expected to make it difficult for China to invade Taiwan. In an e-mail reply to a request for comment on the arms sales, Montgomery praised the effectiveness of the ground-based systems and munitions, such as M109A7 howitzers, HIMARS, Javelin and TOW, against China's military. One highlight of the arms sales is the uncrewed aerial vehicle package worth about US$1 billion, which would serve as "an important part of counter-intervention abilities both in the maritime and ashore," Montgomery said. Earlier this year, military sources said that extensive harassment by Chinese fighter jets means that it is necessary for Taiwan to purchase E-2D early warning aircraft to replace its current E-2K early warning aircraft. The latest arms sale announcement was the second since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier this year.

Source: Taipei Times December 24, 2025 06:49 UTC