The_Zergling
Junior Member
Basically, the IDF was Plan B... and was essentially ditched once the US became willing to sell F-16s. If the US had agreed to sell F-16s earlier it's likely that the IDF wouldn't have even been designed.
Taiwan Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter Gollevainen
- Start date
Basically, the IDF was Plan B... and was essentially ditched once the US became willing to sell F-16s. If the US had agreed to sell F-16s earlier it's likely that the IDF wouldn't have even been designed.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
Hmmm, on the Keypublishing forum somebody claims that
I've never heard of a ban on sales to Taiwan before by France, have any of out Taiwanese posters heard about this? He doesn't provide a link but if this where the case then truly nobody is willing to sell aircraft to the ROCAF and Taiwan better start throwing designs on the board or resume F-CK-1 production. This seems strange though, if something like this were real I would assume at least one of us here would have heard of it
I've never heard of a ban on sales to Taiwan before by France, have any of out Taiwanese posters heard about this? He doesn't provide a link but if this where the case then truly nobody is willing to sell aircraft to the ROCAF and Taiwan better start throwing designs on the board or resume F-CK-1 production. This seems strange though, if something like this were real I would assume at least one of us here would have heard of it
Last edited:
The_Zergling
Junior Member
If there's no evidence to back it up, then I would refrain from believing one way or the other. Either way, as China becomes even more attractive an option as far as trade and diplomacy goes, Taiwan has to become more self-reliant militarily.
Mr T
Senior Member
I'd be disinclined to believe it because France continues to offer spares for the Mirages. Why lose out on contracts to keep the missiles in good nick?
I agree. It will probably continue to be able to get a modest amount of weapons and components from the US, but it would be prudent to invest more in local technology.
Semi-Lobster
Junior Member
I think I found what he was talking about.
It seems in 1994 France placed a ban of the sale of 'offensive' military weapons to Taiwan, for example in 1995 the sale of 550 Mistrals to Taiwan was cancelled although maitenance and resupply seem unaffected. This article is rather old though and I can't seem to find very many other English language sources on this though.
In 1994 As for Taiwan needing to become more self-reliant, indeed this is very true but the politicians do have a point though. Unless its for a massive order, given that their aircraft are pretty much completely unexportable politically means that their is a constant threat to viability of such plans but given the amount of employment opportunities and benefits of designing and building aircraft creates it is also a very good idea in tough economic times. Although most countries would baulk at direct sales to Taiwan for military aircraft perhaps a joint-venture such as the ones that which originally helped create the IDF would be more palatable (although it would still be a political hot potato), it really depends how up to the task AIDC is.
Aero_Wing_32
Junior Member
I agree France suspended any kind of new "sensitive" weaponry supply to Taiwan ROC ... while (for example) China is selling weaponry to countries like Sudan making trouble in Darfur... (no comment...)
So, It s been suspended but can be resumed as well... Dont forget Pr. Sarkozy didnt really make friends in the PRC and has no lesson to receive from any other country.
All in all there are discussions going on now. And contacts have been established. Everybody well informed knows that point. But what for?!
- Is it for Mirage 2000-9 (excellent multirole fighter and also a better deal than the last F-16 -refused- sale). French military program is clear: its fleet must be based on 300 Rafales fighters. Therefore the M2000-9 they gonna get back from UAE, in the big Rafales purchase, must be sold to another country (very quickly after refurbished).
- Or is it for Rafales with a specific Air/Air interception standard (F1/F2)? Possible. But probably not for a bunch of even more advanced Rafales F3 or for next F4 standard (like UAE is negociating now). Taiwan will face to building up some well advanced squadrons sooner or later. This could be done this way.
But now it s hard to say. Taiwan needs new aircrafts urgently though.
So, It s been suspended but can be resumed as well... Dont forget Pr. Sarkozy didnt really make friends in the PRC and has no lesson to receive from any other country.
All in all there are discussions going on now. And contacts have been established. Everybody well informed knows that point. But what for?!
- Is it for Mirage 2000-9 (excellent multirole fighter and also a better deal than the last F-16 -refused- sale). French military program is clear: its fleet must be based on 300 Rafales fighters. Therefore the M2000-9 they gonna get back from UAE, in the big Rafales purchase, must be sold to another country (very quickly after refurbished).
- Or is it for Rafales with a specific Air/Air interception standard (F1/F2)? Possible. But probably not for a bunch of even more advanced Rafales F3 or for next F4 standard (like UAE is negociating now). Taiwan will face to building up some well advanced squadrons sooner or later. This could be done this way.
But now it s hard to say. Taiwan needs new aircrafts urgently though.
That don´t make sense at all.
USA never, really, cared about China opposition to its arms sales to Taiwan.
As long as the weapons would keep the military balance between China and Taiwan.
If this news is true, and I believe it is,
this could be a political move in a direct answer to the new reaprochment of the Taiwan government to China.
As like, well, since you two are now friends, there is no "reason" at all, for me to sell you tools for you to defend yoursleve against your friend.
If the sitatuion of friendship coming from Taiwan changes, then USA assesment could change also?
In the other hand, France airplanes could be a good option for Taiwan, like the Rafales.
Last edited: