U.S. Approves SLAM-ER and MS-110 Pods for Taiwan
The long-range missile and multi-spectral reconnaissance pod would both enhance Taiwan’s ability to conduct operations against mainland China.
South Korea was the first Asian air am to employ the SLAM-ER, an example of which is seen here on a ROKAF F-15K “Slam Eagle”, along with AIM-9X and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. In Taiwanese service the most likely carrier would be the F-16. (Photo: Chen Chuanren)
South Korea was the first Asian air am to employ the SLAM-ER, an example of which is seen here on a ROKAF F-15K “Slam Eagle”, along with AIM-9X and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. In Taiwanese service the most likely carrier would be the F-16. (Photo: Chen Chuanren)

The U.S. State Department has approved the sales of a series of arms to Taiwan, including a large stock of 135 Boeing AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles and six Collins Aerospace MS-110 reconnaissance pods, along with 11 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rocket launchers. The total package is worth around $1.8 billion, and will irk China just as Beijing was reported to be positioning ballistic missiles near the Taiwan Straits.