Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Taiwan Plans 18 Percent Defence Budget Increase Next Year
Taiwan plans to spend 18 percent more on defence next year.
The biggest increase will go to military investment.
That funding will rise by NT$97.5 billion.
It will reach NT$259.1 billion in total.
Officials say much of the extra money is needed to pay for weapons bought from the United States.
Some of these purchases are now entering periods when larger payments are due.
The equipment includes F-16V Block 70 fighter jets and HIMARS rocket systems.
The higher budget will help Taiwan keep up with these payment and delivery schedules.
Taiwan’s defence budget is set to increase by 18 percent next year.
Military investment will receive the largest share of the increase.
Military investment funding will rise by NT$97.5 billion to NT$259.1 billion.
Officials said additional funding is needed for payment schedules linked to major United States arms purchases.
The purchases include F-16V Block 70 fighter jets and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems.
- Who
- Taiwan officials and Taiwan’s defence authorities.
- What
- Taiwan is increasing its defence budget by 18 percent, with military investment receiving an additional NT$97.5 billion.
- When
- Next year; the articles do not specify the calendar year.
- Where
- Taiwan.
- Why
- Officials said the additional funding is needed largely to meet payment schedules for major United States arms purchases entering intensive payment and delivery periods.
- Overall budget change
- Taiwan’s defence budget is set to rise by 18 percent next year.
- Largest spending area
- Military investment accounts for the largest share of the increase.
- Additional military investment
- NT$97.5 billion.
- Total military investment
- NT$259.1 billion.
- Primary funding purpose
- Meeting payment schedules tied to major United States arms purchases.
- Aircraft purchase
- F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.
- Rocket system purchase
- HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems.