The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on March 1 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $619 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

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 ROC Air Force’s upgraded F-16V (Viper) fighter jet carrying AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a reminder of Taiwanese Vipers’ maritime strike role besides air defense (Picture source: Twitter)

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy one hundred (100) AGM-88B High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM); twenty-three (23) HARM training missiles; two hundred (200) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); four (4) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Sections; and twenty-six (26) LAU-129 multi-purpose launchers. Also included are LAU-118A missile launchers with Aircraft Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC); HARM missile containers; AIM-120 control sections and containers; AIM-120C Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); dummy air training missiles (DATM), integration and test support and equipment; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories and repair and return support; classified software; maintenance and maintenance support; classified publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $619 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to Taiwan’s capability to provide for the defense of its airspace, regional security, and interoperability with the United States. The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, AZ; and Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the recipient.

Taiwan currently operates a fleet of more than 200 F-16s. The first F-16A/B aircraft were delivered to Taiwan in 1997. The Air Force is converting 141 F-16A/B jets into F-16Vs which feature advanced avionics and weapons systems, including an advanced radar system, improved electronic warfare capabilities, and the ability to carry a wider range of weapons. Taiwan also ordered 66 new F-16Vs with upgraded avionics, weapons, and radar systems to compete with China’s Air Force, including its J-20 stealth fighters, Eurasian Times reported.