TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislative Yuan Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) announced on Monday (Sept. 9) that the 2025 military investment construction project budget will increase by NT$20.3 billion compared to 2024; however, most of this budget will cover delayed military sales payments.
Chiang explained that the 2025 defense budget, now under Legislative Yuan review, shows growth in personnel maintenance, operations, and military investment. He detailed the general equipment budgets for the army, navy, and air force, with the navy receiving NT$49.9 billion, the army NT$27.2 billion, and the air force NT$24.7 billion.
Chiang noted that over the past eight years, the U.S. has sold Taiwan more than US$20 billion in military equipment. He stated that several major sales have been delayed due to factors like the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, pushing the peak payment period forward.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) extended the execution period for the Man-Portable Air-Defence System, shared by the army and navy, to 2031, increasing the budget to NT$69.02 billion. Chiang highlighted that many weapons will be delivered this year, reflected in the budget, such as new tanks costing over NT$8.1 billion.
The navy's Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems, allocated NT$23.9 billion, will start delivery this year. The air force's special budget for new fighter jets is NT$43 billion, with deliveries delayed to this year's third quarter.
Chiang emphasized the need to address military personnel issues as equipment arrives. The 2025 military budget shows a decrease in personnel compared to 2024. To bolster combat readiness, the military has implemented a one-year conscription policy since January which Chiang believes the MND should review and report on.
He announced plans to invite the MND for a field inspection to assess the conscription policy's implementation and training effectiveness.
