Archive · 14 Nov 2025
US Approves $330 Million Fighter Jet Parts Sale to Taiwan Under Trump
Imagine Taiwan needs to keep its fighter jets ready to fly, like keeping a car in good shape.
The United States, which helps Taiwan defend itself, just agreed to sell $330 million worth of parts and tools for Taiwan's F-16 and other planes.
This is the first time this kind of sale has happened since President Trump came back into power.
China claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to use force.
The US is a major supplier of weapons to Taiwan.
Taiwan's president wants to spend more money on defense, but some people in Taiwan think it's too much money.
China is also upset with comments from Japan about potentially helping Taiwan if it's attacked.
The US approved a $330 million sale of aircraft parts and equipment to Taiwan.
This is the first military sale to Taiwan since President Trump's return.
The sale includes parts for F-16, C-130, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) aircraft.
Taiwan's president plans to increase defense spending, but faces opposition within the island's legislature.
Beijing expressed outrage over remarks by Japan's Prime Minister suggesting Japan could send troops to Taiwan if attacked.
- Who
- The US and Taiwan's Foreign Ministry
- What
- Approved a $330 million military sale of parts and equipment for various Taiwanese aircraft, marking the first such transaction since President Trump's return.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Washington
- Why
- To support Taiwan's defense needs as its biggest arms supplier and a deterrent against potential Chinese aggression, despite Beijing's claims over Taiwan's sovereignty.
Taiwan's Defense Spending Plans
Opposition within Taiwan
Defense Budget Increase
Taiwan's Defense Spending Plans
President Lai Ching-te aims to increase Taiwan's defense spending to over 3% of GDP next year and 5% by 2030, with plans for a special defense budget of up to NT$1 trillion (US$32 billion).
Opposition within Taiwan
The main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which controls parliament, has raised concerns about the affordability of these increases, with some lawmakers calling it unsustainable and stating 'Taiwan isn't an ATM.'
- Sale Value
- $330 million
- Transaction Type
- Parts and equipment for F-16, C-130, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) aircraft
- Approval Date
- Friday
- First Since
- President Trump's return to the White House
- US Legal Obligation
- Taiwan Relations Act
- Taiwan's Defense Spending Goal
- Over 3% of GDP next year, 5% by 2030
- Potential Special Defense Budget
- Up to NT$1 trillion (US$32 billion)
