Raytheon Win $68.4 Million Contract to Supply AGM-154 Glide Bomb to Taiwan

Defense News ,Taiwan :- Raytheon, a leading defense contractor, has been granted a $68.4-million contract to manufacture AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) for Taiwan. This significant deal involves delivering a total of 50 AGM-154s to the Taiwanese military by March 2028, as confirmed by the US Department of Defense.

The AGM-154s supplied under this contract will feature the latest Block III C configuration, enabling seamless integration into a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, F-35 Lightning II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. The majority of the contract-related work is slated to take place in Arizona.

With a "fire-and-forget" capability, the AGM-154 JSOW is equipped to autonomously navigate to its target at distances of up to 110 kilometers (68 miles), leveraging a GPS/inertial navigation system.

This procurement aligns with the comprehensive arms package announced by the US government in 2017 for Taiwan, which included seven items. The AGM-154 JSOW is a crucial component of this package, enhancing Taiwan's military capabilities with cutting-edge precision strike capabilities.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense, recognizing the importance of fortifying its invasion deterrence, submitted a wishlist for weapons in October 2023 to the country's legislature. This wishlist included precision strike missiles such as the US-made AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, AGM-84 Standoff Land Attack Missiles, and the AGM-154 JSOW, which is now under contract.

The ministry emphasized that these weapons would significantly bolster the ground and sea attack capabilities of Taiwan's F-16 fleet, particularly those operating from the southern coast of the island. The inclusion of advanced glide bombs like the AGM-154 JSOW is expected to enhance Taipei's capacity for long-range strikes, a critical priority given the escalating pressure from China on the small island nation.

The recent contract between Raytheon and Taiwan underscores the commitment to strengthening the island's defense capabilities with cutting-edge weaponry. The AGM-154 JSOW, with its advanced features and versatility, represents a crucial element in Taiwan's strategy to deter potential invasions and respond effectively to evolving regional security challenges.