US Approves Major Taiwan deal to supply 55 Legion infrared search and track (IRST) pods to Taiwan, marking a significant step in strengthening the island’s aerial surveillance and combat capabilities. The deal, valued at up to $328.5 million, comes as part of ongoing efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defenses amid rising regional tensions with China.
Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin has received a Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to produce and deliver the advanced Legion IRST sensor pods. These systems are designed to enhance Taiwan’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets by providing passive infrared detection of airborne threats.
What the Legion IRST Pods Do
Unlike traditional radar systems that emit signals and can be detected by enemy forces, IRST pods sense the heat signatures of aircraft and other objects at long range without active emissions. This passive detection capability gives pilots improved situational awareness while reducing the risk of revealing their position in contested airspace dominated by electronic warfare
The Legion system, based on Lockheed Martin’s IRST21 architecture, also allows multiple aircraft to share tracking data, enhancing coordinated threat detection without relying on active radar. This networked sensing capability is particularly valuable in complex environments where radar denial and stealth technology could otherwise degrade traditional detection systems.
Strategic Context US Approves Major Taiwan
Taiwan has been modernizing its air force in recent years, upgrading older F-16s to the more capable F-16V standard and purchasing new aircraft to replace aging fighters. The integration of Legion IRST pods adds another layer of advanced capability to the island’s air defense strategy, helping its pilots detect, track, and engage potential threats more effectively
The deal underscores continuing defense cooperation between Washington and Taipei, and reflects U.S. policy to support Taiwan’s self-defense under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework. In statements accompanying the contract award, U.S. officials described the procurement as addressing an “urgent operational need” for Taiwan’s Air Force.
Broader Implications US Approves Major Taiwan
The approval arrives against a backdrop of heightened military activity in the Indo-Pacific region. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has routinely expressed strong opposition to U.S. arms sales to the island. The addition of passive sensor pods to Taiwan’s F-16 fleet is likely to draw political reactions, but for Taipei it represents a practical step toward improving its ability to operate in complex threat environments
Looking ahead, delivery of the Legion pods and integration with Taiwan’s existing and future combat aircraft are expected to occur over the coming years, helping maintain a credible deterrent as regional security dynamics continue to evolve