Taiwan Getting New F-16's? Obama Changed Course?
There has been some rumors that the Obama administration has changed their mind and is considering giving Taiwan new F-16s. This would be a major boost to their military power. How will China respond? Can these new F-16s beat a J-20 in a dog fight?
http://the-diplomat.com/flashpoints-...-and-the-f-16/
They want F-35..
Yes. The deal is now expected to go through.Originally Posted by travis911
http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNe...D=201301080039
Will they be Block 50/52 with AMRAAMs?
And just because Sen. Inhofe says so does not necessarily mean Obama is onboard.
Will they still be getting their old aircraft updated?
Obama not necessarily on board: Agreed.
A/c would be Block 52s.
Yes. Upgrades are underway, but the program is on a 5 year long schedule at present.
The C/Ds are intended to replace the aging F-5s in operation that eventually will be mothballed at JiaShan with the rest of their type.
[Off topic, but related: I am seeking info on when the C-27Js will arrive in Taiwan.]
BIO: I'm a first time visitor here today.
I've worked for ROCAF at 401st TCW in Hualien, and on the Bell Helicopter UH-1Y/Z Program at AIDC in Taichung.
Am currently selling stuffed tortillas while designing a stealth homebuilt a/c capable of carrying a Sidewinder. LOL
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopi...=391512#391512
Last edited by Colonel FOG; 01-09-2013 at 11:19 PM. Reason: Added link
Interestingly enough the Taiwanese F-16 "A/B"s are closer in capability to the Block 50/52 and IIRC they obtained amraam over ten years ago and will be updating their existing F-16s radars along with USAF's program. With the politics involved - I wouldn't be too surprised if the new F-16s get a unique designation like F-16 A/B Block 20T - then if we looked deeper it is actually speced like LM's proposed Vs...
@ Col. FOG:
Thanks, and welcome aboard!
Agreed. Would likely carry a different designation. "F-16 A/B Block 22"?? (To return to the final "2" digit representing P&W engine.) However, I don't think the name is going to fool anyone into believing they aren't really C/Ds, since Lockheed doesn't produce A/B airframes anymore.
Based on the history of the F-5 program, I think that Taiwan should be likewise offered a chance to produce their own F-16A/Bs...
Last edited by Colonel FOG; 01-09-2013 at 10:03 PM.
Definitely NOT. Just your wishful thinking.
Good to hear the program is going through
But honestly, more needs to be done, and sooner.
Taiwan wavers on F-16 deal
Taiwan said Monday that it needs fighter jets which are more advanced than the upgraded F-16 announced by the United States, suggesting that it was dropping its bid for dozens of the aircraft.
Taipei applied in 2007 to buy 66 F-16 C/D fighters, which have better radar and more powerful weapons systems than its current F-16 A/Bs, in response to China's perceived military threat.
Washington in September 2011 said it had agreed to upgrade Taiwan's 146 ageing F-16 A/Bs in a $5.85 billion deal but it held off on the sale of new jets.
Taiwan's Defence Minister Kao Hua-chu said for the first time Monday that Taipei will not necessarily take the deal even if Washington gives the nod.
"Our demand has changed following the announcement of the upgrade project. The jet fighters we buy in the future have to outperform the F-16 upgrades if we (are) to convince the tax payers," he told parliament.
more:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia...s-on-f-16-deal
So, what are their plans? Eurofighter? Customized SU-30 or SU-35?? Gripen E/F??
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