If the law is approved in its current form, the total defense budget for 2024 will grow 4.6% over the previous year, slower than in 2023, when it increased 12.5%. Adoption of the document is expected by the end of the year. Items for the interception of military aviation and the maintenance of the Navy will grow remarkably.
Meanwhile, the US government announced it has approved the sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets and notified Congress. The acquisition will cost Taipei up to $500 million. It was the 11th approval of arms sales to Taiwan under the Joe Biden administration and the third this year.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the system is the latest model for the F-16V and enhances long-range target tracking capabilities, greatly improving air efficiency.
