Taiwan to Purchase $128M Worth Parts for MICA Missiles to Bolster its Mirage 2000 Fighters

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan's European procurement office has concluded negotiations with the French missile manufacturer MBDA to secure components for the maintenance of its French-built MICA and Magic missiles.

With a allocated budget of NT$3.96 billion ($127.95 million), the Taiwan government has officially confirmed its intention to procure missile parts spanning from January 2024 to the conclusion of 2028. The primary objective is to reinforce the air combat capabilities of its existing Mirage fighter jets, as reported by Liberty Times.

Ongoing deliberations regarding the potential retirement of the Mirage fleet have been overshadowed by a meticulous evaluation highlighting the continued strategic importance of these jets in Taiwan's defense architecture.

Last July, the Air Force inked a deal with MBDA for a life extension verification program for its two-seater Mirage jets, involving an investment of NT$151.75 million over a three-year period. At the close of 2023, an additional expenditure of NT$9.631 billion was allocated for the procurement of essential components from France, aimed at sustaining the logistical efficiency of the Mirage fighter jets.

Taiwan initially procured a total of 60 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France in 1992, with deliveries finalized in 1997. Presently, 54 of these Mirage jets remain operational. Their procurement, operation, training, and maintenance costs are notably higher compared to Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Fighters and F-16s.

The MBDA deal was disclosed a day subsequent to the announcement of a contract between Taiwan's military representative office in the U.S. and the American Institute in Taiwan. The contract, valued at NT$694.29 million ($22.55 million), is earmarked for depot-level repairs for the missiles and is part of a four-year plan designed to augment the performance of the U.S. missiles. The repairs are anticipated to be finalized by the conclusion of 2027.