TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Wellington Koo (顧立雄), Taiwan's defense minister, announced Monday (Oct. 7) that the NT$37.7 billion maintenance cost for the long-range radar system aligns with Taiwan's needs and agreements with the U.S.
Local media reported that the cost for the three-phase, 15-year maintenance of the Air Force Surveillance Warning Center (樂山長程預警雷達) equals purchasing a new radar.
Koo emphasized that the intelligence gathered by the radar serves the national military, highlighting the need for replacing key components.
He addressed the MIM-104 Patriot missiles re-evaluation project, stating the gradual replacement of expired guidance sections received legislative approval. Koo clarified that using NT$18.2 billion in surplus funds for additional purchases of extended-range MIM-104 Patriot missiles, as reported by local media, is inaccurate.
He confirmed that the MIM-104 Patriot missiles project received a new budget approved by the Legislative Yuan without reallocating other funds. Acknowledging procedural flaws in the air force's reporting, Koo assured that the process is now complete and submitted to the Legislative Yuan.
He also responded to allegations against U.S. arms manufacturer Raytheon for overpricing, indicating that if price inflation is confirmed, the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) will demand reimbursement from the U.S. government.
Koo also mentioned the development of the next-generation fighter jets, which requires maturity in self-developed key technologies and the procurement of necessary equipment, noting that some technologies remain underdeveloped.