US Approves $75 Million Upgrade for Taiwan's Defense Communication System

Defense News ,Taiwan :- The US State Department has given the green light for a potential $75 million upgrade to Taiwan's Advanced Tactical Data Link System. This package includes various equipment like cross domain solutions, high assurance devices, GPS receivers, and communications gear.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency explained that this proposed sale aims to enhance Taiwan's ability to handle current and future threats by improving communication and network security. It will also establish a secure infrastructure for the flow of tactical information.

The contractor for this project will be selected through a competitive process.

In a related move last year, Washington decided to upgrade Taiwan's Link 16 data link system to NATO's Link-22. This upgrade offers a broader range and a direct connection to the US military. Link-22 is a secure communication capability that connects air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based tactical data systems.

This approval follows China's recent sanctions on five US defense contractors, including BAE Systems Land and Armaments, AeroVironment, Viasat, Alliant Techsystems Operation, and Data Link Solutions. These sanctions were imposed in response to the arms sales to Taiwan, resulting in the freezing of their properties in China.