Taiwan finalises field information and communications system deal with US

The Taiwan government has announced the finalisation of a deal worth TWD6.9 billion (USD245 million) to procure military field information and communications system (FICS) from the United States.

According to the Taiwan government, the ‘property category' of this defence procurement includes 47 radios, televisions, and communication equipment and instruments.

The US Department of State's approval to a possible sale of FICS to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) had been announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in December 2020.

The DSCA said TECRO had requested to buy a FICS that consisted of 154 communication nodes (CN), 24 communication relays, and eight network management systems (NMS), all with S-788 Type III shelter; basic issue items (BII); spare and repair parts; communication support equipment; communication equipment integration; and tools and test equipment.

According to the DSCA, FICS requested by TECRO was to also include “other related elements of logistics and programme support” such as personnel training and training equipment; verification testing; system technical support; transportation; initial repair and return programme; additional authorised list (AAL); technical manuals; quality assurance team (QAT); and field service representatives (FSR), among others.

The DSCA said the sale would enhance Taiwan's security by contributing to the modernisation of its military communication capabilities that are needed to support military operations.

The sale would also “assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region”, the DSCA added.

According to Taiwan News, “the sale will be completed by September 2025”.