Anticipating China's Provocation And Invasion, Taiwan Purchases 40 M109A6 Paladin Howitzers From The US

Nicknamed the 'King of Battle', the M109A6 Howitzer is used by many countries around the world. (Wikimedia Commons/Senior Airman Steve Czyz)

JAKARTA - The United States (US) Department of State has approved the sale of 40 units of the 155mm M109A6 Paladin Self-propelled Howitzer artillery system worth US$750 million or around Rp. 10.75 trillion to Taiwan.

The announcement comes by the Pentagon, following a string of arms sales last year that included drones and coastal missile defenses, which were meant to enhance the island's capabilities and prevent a Chinese invasion.

The package will include howitzers, 1,698 precision guidance kits for ammunition, spare parts, training, ground stations, and upgrades for Taiwan's previous generation howitzers, the Pentagon said.

This arms sale plan has also been informed by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency to the US Congress. Meanwhile, since the beginning of his tenure, President Joe Biden approved direct commercial arms sales to Taiwan.

An illustration of the US-made M109A6 Paladin Howitzer. (Wikimedia Commons/Spc. Christopher Brecht)

Separately, Taiwan thanked the US for this sale, for helping to defend against a Chinese invasion, as quoted by France 24.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday the transaction was the first major arms sale to be announced since President Joe Biden took office.

"Facing China's continued military expansion and provocations, our government will enhance national defense and security with unwavering determination to defend people's lives and our free and democratic way of life," the ministry said in a statement.

To note, self-governing Taiwan is embroiled in conflict and threats of invasion by China, with Beijing viewing the island as part of their territory. Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing is seen as increasing military pressure on Taiwan.

Howitzers are movable field artillery. This could be key to stopping the invasion, allowing the Taiwanese military to direct fire at incoming troop carriers and shell landing beaches.

The 155mm M109A6 Paladin Self-Moving Howitzer manufactured by BAE Systems Land and Armaments, has armor protection and a chain drive, is capable of firing at high angles and has high destructive power. The advantages of this variant are an integrated navigation system, weapon sensor system, encrypted communication, and fire accuracy that is superior to its predecessor version.