Witnesses tell committee faster weapon deliveries, supply‑chain changes needed to bolster Taiwan’s defenses
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Summary
Committee members and witnesses agreed the U.S. should speed delivery of defensive systems to Taiwan; witnesses urged removal of bureaucratic supply‑base limits and steady funding to accelerate production and certification.
Witnesses told the House Armed Services Committee that accelerating deliveries of defensive weapons and aligning allied supply chains are essential to strengthen Taiwan’s self‑defense and bolster deterrence.
Admiral Paparo said the key constraints are bureaucratic: certifying and liberalizing supply bases, ensuring a steady flow of funds and clearing long‑lead items so production and transfer timelines shorten. “Liberalizing the supply bases, certifying supply bases, a steady flow of funds ... would greatly enhance our ability to produce its speed,” he told the committee.
Members referenced the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative included in the FY25 NDAA and asked how that authority will help. Mr. Ngo and Admiral Paparo said the initiative and related authorities can help but must be paired with industrial changes, allied co‑production and streamlined procedures to multiply deterrent effect. Admiral Paparo estimated each defensive capability provided can yield “3 to 5 to 1 leverage.”
Lawmakers asked for details on what programmatic authorities and funding levels are needed; witnesses said they would provide follow‑up material in classified and staff briefings.