The US Department of State has approved the sale of Volcano anti-tank munition-laying systems to Taiwan, the example of which is pictured above. The Volcano can rapidly dispense up to 960 mines from expendable canisters mounted on as many as four launcher racks. (Janes/Patrick Allen)
The US Department of State has approved the possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of Volcano anti-tank munition-laying systems to Taiwan for an estimated cost of USD180 million.
In a recent press release, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a proposed sale of Volcano (vehicle-launched) anti-tank munition-laying systems, M977A4 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT) 10-ton cargo trucks, and M87A1 anti-tank munitions to Taiwan.
The deal also included the training and test of munitions, and related elements of spare parts, engineering, technical, logistical, and other programme support.
The DSCA said that the deal served the “US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability”.
The sale of anti-tank systems will support Taiwan in improving security and maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region, the DSCA added.
The proposed sale will improve Taiwan's “capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations”, the DSCA continued.
The principal contractors in the deal will be Northrop Grumman for the production of munition canister mines, and Oshkosh Corporation for the production of the M977A4 HEMTT vehicles.
The DSCA said that it had notified Congress of the possible sale of anti-tank systems.
The sale was notified amid China ramping up its military activities along Taiwan Strait. On 27 December, Janes
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