Taiwan US 'M270 MLRS' Import Possibility Raises Tension with China

Possibility of Selling Offensive Weapons to Taiwan After US Cancels M109 A6 Self-Propelled Howitzer Contract
US Suspected of Canceling Contract with Taiwan to Send Self-Propelled Howitzers to Ukraine

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media reported that the United States has canceled a $750 million arms deal to export 'M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers' to Taiwan. Chinese media suspect that the U.S. terminated the arms contract with Taiwan to send M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The state-run Global Times, citing Taiwanese media reports, reported on the 3rd that the U.S. canceled the arms export contract signed with Taiwan in January last year. The Global Times said the U.S. State Department unilaterally notified the Taiwan authorities of the contract termination and cited Ukraine as the reason behind the cancellation. The U.S. canceled the contract to send weapons to Ukraine.

The outlet stated that the U.S. cancellation of the arms export contract with Taiwan was not out of consideration for China and that the U.S. might sell even more powerful weapons to Taiwan in the future as compensation.

Professor Xin Chang from Fudan University's American Studies Institute analyzed, "Self-propelled howitzers are very useful weapon systems in the Russia-Ukraine war," adding, "Considering production volume, it seems the contract with Taiwan was canceled to prioritize supply to Ukraine."

The 155mm M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer that the U.S. planned to sell to Taiwan has a range of 40 km. Equipped with a rapid loading device, it can fire up to six rounds per minute. It is also known for its high precision due to features such as a composite positioning system and a muzzle velocity measuring device.

In January last year, the U.S. signed a contract with Taiwan to supply 40 M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, 20 M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles, and advanced weapons including the Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). This contract was the first arms deal approved by the Biden administration after its inauguration.

Chinese military experts are concerned that as compensation for the contract cancellation, the U.S. might sell Taiwan the multiple launch rocket system 'M270 MLRS.' Although the M270 MLRS has a range of only 70 km, if loaded with the U.S. Army's surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile (ATACMS), its range extends to 300 km. While the M109 A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer is a defensive weapon to prevent a Taiwan landing, the M270 MLRS is described as an offensive weapon capable of directly striking mainland China.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping claimed, "It is highly likely that the U.S. will offer the M270 MLRS as compensation for canceling the M109 A6 Paladin howitzer contract," and argued that U.S. arms sales revenue from the Taiwan Strait will increase further.

The U.S. sold weapons worth $195 million to Taiwan in February and April, including the Patriot air defense missile system.