Boeing receives new Harpoon coastal defence system contract for Taiwan

Boeing has been awarded a US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract worth up to USD498.3 million to supply Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile coastal batteries to Taiwan under Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

Announced on 2 March, the contract provides for the production and delivery of 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS) launcher transporter units, 25 radar units, and HCDS training equipment. FMS funds to the value of USD244.1 million were obligated at the time of award, with work likely to be complete by the end of 2028.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in October 2020 gave notification to Congress that the US Department of State had approved an FMS case with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for the procurement of up to 100 HCDS systems. The full scope of the FMS sales package, announced by the DSCA at that time, included up to 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II surface-launched missiles; four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II exercise missiles; 411 containers; 100 HCDS launcher transporter units; 25 radar trucks; and additional support, including test equipment, publications and technical documentation, training, technical assistance, and engineering and logistics support.

In June 2021 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) disclosed that it had signed a contract with the US government for the acquisition of multiple HCDS assets as part of a broader programme to improve its anti-invasion defences. The HCDS integrates the Boeing RGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles with mobile launcher/transporter units, radar units, and battery support equipment. According to the MND, the shore-based Harpoon anti-ship missile batteries will represent “key asymmetric combat power for defence operations”.