Sign up to receive free updates about Taiwan.
We will send you a daily email digest, called myFT Daily Digest, summarizing the latest news from Taiwan every morning.
The United States has made a rare move to assist Taiwan in pushing back against Chinese military pressure by agreeing to sell a system to Taiwan that equips its F-16 fighters with infrared technology for searching and tracking enemy aircraft.
The infrared search and track (IRST) system, priced at $500 million, will “allow us to more effectively deter Chinese air activity,” according to Taiwan’s deputy defense minister, Po Horng-huei. Furthermore, it will aid in targeting the J-20 stealth fighter over the Taiwan Strait in the future.
The sale was approved by the State Department and notified to Congress by the Pentagon, marking the first major deal under President Joe Biden to upgrade Taiwan’s air force capabilities during peacetime.
In contrast to the previous administration, which supplied Taiwan with high-value platforms like F-16 Viper aircraft and main battle tanks, the Biden administration has focused on sales of missiles, spare parts, munitions, and training. The goal is for Taiwan to prioritize preparations for defending against a potential Chinese invasion.
However, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army continues to increase its probing of Taiwan’s airspace and waters, leading Taipei to request additional assistance in resisting China’s “grey zone campaign.”
During the previous month, PLA aircraft conducted 163 sorties into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, causing strain on Taiwan’s air force as they scrambled fighters to track these aircraft and deter them from further approaches. These flights also enable the Chinese military to gather data on the locations and response speed of Taiwanese air defenses whenever Taiwan activates radar.
The US-Taiwan Business Council, a lobby group, has praised the IRST system, stating that it will enhance Taiwan’s capability to counter China’s ongoing grey zone coercion. A significant advantage is that Taiwanese jets will be able to track targets without activating radar.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the business council, criticized the Biden administration’s approach, which has focused mainly on supplying munitions and sustaining legacy systems. He argued that this leaves Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese grey zone and blockade scenarios. However, the sale of the IRST system may indicate a broader adjustment in the Biden administration’s approach to support Taiwan’s defense.
Lockheed Martin will provide the new system, which will significantly enhance Taiwan’s ability to defend its airspace, improve regional security, and strengthen its cooperation with US forces through the F-16 program, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the US defense department.
While the specific name of the IRST system was not mentioned, Po stated that Taiwan’s air force will acquire the same system used on the US Air Force’s F-35 and F-22 fighters.
Taiwan currently has 141 older F-16 models that are being upgraded to the newer Viper type. The 66 new F-16 V aircraft approved during the previous administration are expected to arrive by the end of 2026.
Taipei plans to increase its total defense spending by 4.6% to NT$606.8 billion ($19.1 billion) next year, with NT$94.3 billion allocated for arms procurement, according to a draft budget presented on Thursday.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
