The United States government has authorized the potential sale of a logistical support package for Taiwan Air Force’s fleet of F-16 Block 70 aircraft, aimed at providing support for the AESA radars equipping the upgraded fighters. This development was detailed in a recent State Department communication notifying the U.S. Congress of the new operation for legislative approval.
According to information published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this new support and logistical sustainment package, valued at $320 million, includes consumables, spare parts, and components for Taiwan’s F-16 Block 70 (F-16V) fleet. The notification highlights that it also covers spare parts and support for the AESA radars equipping the upgraded fighters.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the AN/APG-83 is the new AESA radar installed on both the upgraded Block 70 F-16 fighters and the newly manufactured ones from Lockheed Martin’s production line in Greenville. In Taiwan’s case, it was revealed earlier this year that the Taiwanese Air Force had completed the modernization program for this variant of the Fighting Falcon.
Called the “Peace Phoenix Rising” program and valued at $4.5 billion, it originally aimed to modernize the fleet of 144 F-16A/B Block 20 aircraft (Block 15OCU, but built to MLU specifications) acquired in 1992 to the Block 70 Viper standard. However, due to operational accidents and aircraft losses, the final number has been reduced to 139 units.
Additionally, as part of its military capability modernization and enhancement plans, Taiwan confirmed the purchase of an additional batch of 66 new F-16 Block 70 fighters from the United States for $8 billion. With their integration, the Air Force aims to replace several of its older aircraft fleets, such as the Mirage 2000, which remain in service.
Regarding the package recently authorized by the State Department, it adds to other approvals granted to Taiwan, such as the one issued this past June. This situation underscores the necessity for the Taiwanese Air Force to maintain a high availability rate for its primary combat aircraft in response to frequent incursions into its ADIZ by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) air and naval patrols.
The U.S. government stated: “This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will contribute to improving the recipient’s security and help sustain political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
Additionally: “The proposed sale will enhance the recipient’s ability to address current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of its F-16 aircraft fleet. The recipient will have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its armed forces.”
Photographs used for illustration purposes only.
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