By Jia Feimao | 2025-04-24

Amid China's frequent military exercises and "gray zone" operations exerting pressure on Taiwan, the Taiwanese military is reassessing the value of certain large-scale weapons platforms.

Facing persistent encirclement and attrition tactics from the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Taiwan is shifting its defense strategy. Moving beyond a singular focus on asymmetric warfare, it now plans to acquire major weapon platforms from the United States.

This strategic recalibration signals a renewed commitment to strengthening Taiwan's overall defense depth.

The Taiwanese air force is reportedly seeking to procure six E-2D Advanced Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to replace its aging fleet of E-2K aircraft. The current AEW fleet, acquired starting in the 1990s, is no longer sufficient for today's complex air threat environment.

The E-2D represents a significant upgrade, featuring an advanced phased array radar in place of traditional mechanical radar. This plane provides enhanced reconnaissance capabilities, allowing detection of small targets such as cruise missiles and drones.

The system improves detection of stealth fighters operating in the airspace east of the island.

PLA provocations

The procurement process for the E-2D has officially begun, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported in February.

Taiwan had previously applied for the platform twice but withdrew both times, having deemed existing ground-based radar systems adequate at the time.

Acquiring the E-2D will significantly enhance air command and control and improve the military's ability to respond to frequent PLA provocations, Su Tzu-yun, director of the Strategic and Resources Division at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told Focus.

He emphasized the role of the aircraft's timely intelligence in achieving air superiority.

Lockheed Martin highlights the E-2D's radar as capable of detecting "small, highly maneuverable targets in dense littoral and overland environments," reinforcing its strategic value.

The aircraft's Link-16 tactical data link enables real-time intelligence sharing, strengthening joint operations across Taiwan's armed services, Su added.

Taiwan's navy, like its air force counterpart, urgently needs equipment upgrades. Its aging S-70C anti-submarine helicopters, in service for over 25 years, face mounting maintenance issues and are due for replacement

The navy reportedly plans to purchase 10 MH-60R helicopters, which come equipped with advanced sonar systems, sonobuoys, anti-ship missiles and light torpedoes -- significantly boosting Taiwan's ability to detect and engage submarines and surface vessels, as well as strengthening maritime control.

Black Hawk order

This arms purchase will not only effectively counter the growing threat from Chinese submarines but will symbolize the United States' determination to support Taiwan in responding to Chinese "gray zone" operations, Chieh Chung, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, told Focus.

The army is pursuing upgrades too, reportedly planning to acquire 30 additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, which can carry missiles and rockets.

Also on the acquisition list are M109A7 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

The Army General Headquarters emphasized that any equipment enhancing joint operational capabilities remains a strategic priority, the United Daily News reported in April.

This focus on larger platforms reflects a broader strategic re-evaluation. While Taiwan has emphasized asymmetric warfare in recent years to counter China's military advantage through cost-effective, high-efficiency systems, the current shift illustrates a more balanced approach.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo reaffirmed in March that asymmetric capabilities remain a top priority, but he underscored the need to strengthen Taiwan's response to gray-zone threats.

Taiwan's military procurement strategy is demonstrating a "dual-track" approach, where asymmetric weapons and large platforms complement each other to enhance military strength, said Su.

Chieh noted a contrast in US arms sales over the years: one administration focused on fighters such as the F-16V, while another emphasized C4ISR and asymmetric capabilities.

Both approaches have strategic value and complement each other in bolstering Taiwan’s defense, he said.

President Lai Ching-Te has pledged to raise Taiwan's defense budget above 3% of GDP. Acquiring platforms such as the E-2D and MH-60R will contribute toward that goal while expanding Taiwan's defense depth and enhancing joint operations.