Taiwan's Defense Minister: HIMARS down payment deadline likely to be met
Quick Look
- Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng stated that the first payment for the HIMARS rocket system, due by the end of May, is likely to be met on time.
- The special budget for US arms purchases is expected to be approved by the legislature, allowing for the payment.
- He also addressed concerns about a second batch of US arms sales, stating no changes have been received and expressing cautious optimism.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan is reviewing an NT$8.8 billion special budget for US arms purchases. A key component is the first payment for the HIMARS multiple rocket system, due by the end of May. The defense minister is addressing concerns about potential delays.
2026/05/25 09:29 記者陳鈺馥／台北報導
國防部長顧立雄。（記者陳鈺馥攝）
立法院將審查今年度的88億元對美軍購特別預算，針對對美採購的海馬士多管火箭案首期款將在5月底到期，時程上是否來不及？國防部長顧立雄今日在立法院受訪表示，行政院院會通過後，預算就送到立法院，就可以啟動預算法的84條。由行政院核定後，就可以付首期款，時間上應該來得及。
今年度對美軍購特別預算88億元中，包含8億元的海馬士多管火箭首期款，後者將在5月底到期，顧立雄日前在立法院答詢時表示，若特別預算還沒通過，國防部會引用預算法第84條，先行請求行政院同意讓國防部協調以既有預算支應。
行政院主計總處此前說明，顧立雄於5月19日在立法院專案報告時已說明，將報請行政院同意先行動支，財源則由國防部年度預算墊支，公文已報送行政院。
另外，美國對台軍售140億元是否生變？顧立雄回應，沒有收到改變通知，美方發言人表示要由美國總統川普決定。美方對台政策沒有改變，他們會持續遵循「台灣關係法」長期以來的承諾，審慎樂觀看待第二批軍售。
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The first payment for the HIMARS rocket system will be made by the end of May.
Very likely · Within days
The second batch of US arms sales to Taiwan will proceed without significant changes.
Possible · Medium term
Open Questions
- Will the special budget be approved by the Legislative Yuan before the May 31st deadline?
- What is the exact amount of the first HIMARS payment?
- What are the specific items and costs associated with the second batch of US arms sales?
- How will the NT$470 billion removed from the special ordinance be reallocated?
