US approves 30 mm ammunition sale to Taiwan

Taiwan's CM-34 IFV, fitted with its 30 mm gun, is pictured at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in 2019. (Janes/Kelvin Wong)

The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced potential deals with Taiwan worth USD440.2 million to supply the island with 30 mm ammunition as well as spare parts for military vehicles and weapons.

The DSCA said on 29 June that the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) deals have been approved by the State Department. The proposed sales must be approved by the US Congress before being finalised.

The potential sale of 30 mm ammunition is worth USD332.3 million. The deal will support the Republic of China Army's (RoCA's) CM-34 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), which are fitted with the electro-mechanically stabilised Northrop Grumman Mk 44 Bushmaster II 30 mm dual-feed autocannon.

The DSCA said that the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US has requested to procure various unclassified 30 mm ammunition – including 30 mm High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer (HEI-T) rounds, 30 mm multi-purpose rounds, and 30 mm training rounds – and related engineering and technical assistance.

Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems are the principal suppliers.

The potential sale of spare and repair parts to Taiwan is worth USD108 million, the DSCA said. “The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient's vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items,” the DSCA added. Principal contractors will be determined by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).