By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
As of June 17, 2024, Taiwan is poised to receive the long-anticipated delivery of 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers from the United States by the year’s end, according to a recent report by Taiwan News. Initially scheduled to begin in 2022, this delivery faced significant delays due to the missiles failing U.S. Army testing requirements. However, having passed these stringent tests, the weapon systems are confirmed to arrive within the year, as Taiwan’s defense minister stated.
During a legislative session on Monday, Defense Minister Wellington Koo responded to inquiries from Wang Ting-yu, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, regarding the arrival timeline of the weapons. Taiwan had allocated NT$11.81 billion (approximately US$364 million) for this acquisition over the fiscal years 2018-2025, emphasizing the strategic importance of this purchase.
The TOW 2B, an advanced anti-tank missile system developed by Raytheon (now Raytheon Technologies), is designed to enhance ground forces’ ability to neutralize armored threats significantly. Entering service in the 1990s, the TOW 2B represented a significant upgrade over its predecessors, boasting improvements in targeting and lethality. Unlike earlier models, the TOW 2B features a dual-warhead system aimed at striking armored vehicles from the top, where their armor is thinnest, making it particularly effective against contemporary tanks.
Globally adopted and widely used in numerous conflicts, the TOW 2B has proven its reliability and effectiveness. While the exact number of TOW 2B missiles in service worldwide remains classified, its guidance system’s ability to operate in both day and night conditions, coupled with its capability to be launched from various platforms—including vehicles, helicopters, and ground launchers—provides unmatched flexibility in diverse combat scenarios.
Retired Commander of Army Futures Command – Gen. John Murray
Incorporating the TOW 2B missiles into Taiwan’s defensive arsenal is a critical component of its broader strategy to deter potential aggression. This acquisition is part of three major arms packages secured from the U.S., which also include 66 F-16V fighter jets and AGM-154 air-to-ground missile systems, both known for their precision in air-to-surface operations. Although the delivery of these systems has faced delays, the U.S. is committed to sending two F-16V prototypes to Taiwan for further testing later this year, with the full fleet of 66 jets expected by the end of 2026.
The TOW 2B anti-tank missile, renowned for its “top attack” capability, is designed to strike armored vehicles and bunkers effectively. This feature is particularly advantageous for anti-landing operations, enabling the missile to neutralize incoming landing craft. According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, this missile is pivotal to Taiwan’s strategy to establish a comprehensive ground defense system.
These advanced defense systems are arriving at a pivotal time for Taiwan. During a visit in May, Michael McCaul, chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, underscored the critical nature of these deliveries, highlighting that approximately US$20 billion worth of arms are still pending for Taiwan, with delays largely due to industry-related issues. As Taiwan bolsters its military capabilities, these acquisitions are viewed as essential in ensuring the island’s security and preparedness against potential threats.
