US may sell Harpoon missiles to Taiwan

WASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) The Bush administration told Congress today it may sell up to 125 million dollar worth of Harpoon missiles to Taiwan.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the Taiwanese government asked to buy 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles plus guidance control units, containers, upgrade kits and other equipment.

The proposed sale would support Taiwan's effort to modernize its armed forces, the agency said. Taiwan has previously purchased air and surface launched Harpoon missiles, it said.

Harpoon Block II missiles are subsonic anti-ship missiles that can discern ships from islands and other nearby land masses. The prime contractor for the proposed missile sale would be Boeing Co's McDonnell Douglas unit, the agency said.

The notice of a proposed sale is required by US law and Congress has the power to reject it.

Reuters RC VP0240