Taiwan military news and discussion part II

U.S. still evaluating Taiwan's other weapon requests: official

The U.S. government is "faithfully implementing" the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and will continue to evaluate two other pending arms sales to Taiwan, a U.S. State Department official said Monday.

The official from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was referring to Taiwan's requests to procure diesel-electric submarines and Black Hawk helicopters from the United States.

"Our internal foreign military sales process is continuing. We have turned down nothing," the official told the Central News Agency.

The Bush administration notified Congress Oct. 3 that it had approved sales to Taiwan of 330 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missiles, 32 sub-launched Harpoon Block II missiles, 30 AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow attack helicopters, 182 Javelin guided anti-tank missile rounds and 20 Javelin command launch units, and system upgrades for four E-2T aircraft. However, two other items under review - diesel-electric submarines and Black Hawk helicopters - were not included on the list.

Asked why the notifications were only sent to Congress on the final day of the congressional session before a scheduled adjournment, the official said Washington's decisions on foreign military sales to Taiwan "are not controlled by a timetable. We only recently finished our consultations and arrived at this decision on those items," he said.

Washington makes decision regarding weapons sales to Taiwan based on the defense needs of Taiwan and the TRA under which the United States makes available items for Taiwan's self-defense, the official added.

On the Bush administration's position toward Taiwan's request for F-16C/D fighters, the official said "we do not comment on potential weapons systems in the foreign military sales program."

I doubt it. Containment of China by neo-cons has always been the desire before their financial crisis. Besides many in the US are paranoid over Chinese investment especially into important sectors, military or economic, sensitive to national security. Americans in general believe they are the top dog in the world and don't need anyone's help especially China's. So most Americans aren't even entertaining the notion thus could care less. China made it easier for Americans to buy homes keeping rates low and inflation down. Americans have no sense of it. So whether or not China has the ability and helps the US out of their troubles, the vast majoity of Americans won't even recognize it. I'm just waiting for someone to start blaming China for all this collapse because buying US debt made it easier for Americans to buy homes. You already have two US politicians blaming minorities for this meltdown because banks made it easier for them to homes. So apparently to them only minorities defaulted on their loans thus caused all this mess.

Well as long as theres nothing turned down, theres still hope. Let's hope they do pass the rest of the arms package and the F-16 C/D fighters. Thats another 6 billion + bucks right there, I'm sure the USA will need all the money and employment that they can get.

What about new generation fighter aicrafts, perhaps some Rafales for Taiwan ROC? They kicked ass of the best US F-16 at Nellis (Red Flag 2008).

We also heard of Eurofighters last year (now the EF project is becoming really costly for all the european partners involved in it).

Or maybe JAS39 Gripen. Single engine as the F-16.

Originally Posted by Aero_Wing_32

What about new generation fighter aicrafts, perhaps some Rafales for Taiwan ROC? They kicked ass of the best US F-16 at Nellis (Red Flag 2008).

Well the Frogs haven't said "non". Supposedly there have been private talks between them and Taiwan, but it's the sort of thing where you won't hear anything until after the deal has been closed.

We also heard of Eurofighters last year (now the EF project is becoming really costly for all the european partners involved in it).

It's become costly because they ordered too many without a way to reduce the order. Even selling more of them can't count against off-setting an original order, though it reduces the per unit price. But there are plenty of export orders and opportunities, so I don't think they're desperate.

Plus because there are so many partners it would be extremely difficult to get their agreement to sell them. So, probably "no" there.

Or maybe JAS39 Gripen. Single engine as the F-16.

Sweden has said no.

F-16 Block 52+ probably remains the best bet, and at least it means commonality with Taiwan's current F-16 fleet.

LOL@! Mr T is faster replier than me.......must speed up reaction....

Exactly what I was going to say, any deals with the French are under the table and backdoors. The Rafale was talked about by some Taiwanese defence officials, apparently theres still no deal reached. Yes, the Rafale is the best option if it can be obtained. I'd much rather Taiwan buy Rafale then the F-16, first off if a deal is reached then a deal is a deal, the French are known to be more...um....negotiable than the US, because the US has alot of balancing with China issues. Personally I like the Rafale, looks better and is more superior than the F-16.

Let's just hope Taiwan gets some new fighters soon......I just don't understand why the government isn't willing to upgrade the IDF fighters to C/D status....I mean with unemployment problems in Taiwan and US and France currently unwilling to sell fighters to Taiwan, why not upgrade? It'll cost alot less, improve domestic defence industry and of course improve the capabilities of the ROC air force. It can also make the IDF last for another decade or two.

Whats your view on this guys?

I thought the arms sales was just for US to get more money not from China but rather Taiwan.

Originally Posted by kliu0

I just don't understand why the government isn't willing to upgrade the IDF fighters to C/D status.

I've no idea if they're going to budget for that this year or next. But I think the ROCAF wants the money to buy new aircraft - i.e. they could only afford to do one this year. Plus they think AIDC are telling porkies about the upgrade price so are being cautious before throwing money away.

Porkies? what does that mean?

NSB director apologizes for China SARS claim:

http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/new...olitics_TAIWAN

I wish Taiwan would upgrade IDF, better long term to produce your own fighter then to buy it from another country, wish it had better engines though. I have seen pictures of the upgraded one, it look's pretty good with the cft's, plus it can carry more TC 2's.

About that, I saw that when I was surfing the net a few hours before. I decided not to put it up, since everyone stopped talking about it.

Who knows..... it may be false, or the NSB director accidently blurted out confidential information.

Originally Posted by Mr T

Well the Frogs haven't said "non".

"Frogs"? Well... are you tickling me, Pal?


Thanks for your answers and this interesting debate. I also heard of surreptitious negotiations between France and Taiwan on a big military deal.

surreptitious negotiations ? tell us.....

I like French weapons better. Excited if something goes through. xD