US State Department approves agreement with Taiwan on Patriot systems

The US State Department has approved an agreement with Taiwan on the maintenance of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems (SAM), Report informs, citing the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

"The proposed sale will strengthen buyer security and contribute to political stability, military balance, and progress in the region," DSCA stated.

The contract is valued at $95 million. A similar $100 million contract was approved in early February to service Taiwan and sell equipment to support, maintain and upgrade the Patriot air defense system.

DSCA is responsible for the supply of military equipment and weapons abroad under intergovernmental agreements, the development of relations between the armed forces of the United States and other countries, and the provision of financial and technical assistance to Washington's foreign partners.