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The Taiwan Air Force Will Be Supplied with Rp. 6.6 Trillion of Spare Parts from the US. PHOTO/Reuters
Taiwan’s Air Force is well-equipped, but aging and undervalued by China. Beijing views the democratically ruled island as its territory and for the past three years has been carrying out daily sorties near Taiwan.
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Since early August, when China staged war games around Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei, the Chinese Air Force has also regularly crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which serves as an unofficial boundary.
The Pentagon, in two statements late Tuesday (6/12/2022) said the parts would support Taiwan’s F-16s, Local Defense Fighter jets and all other US-origin aircraft and systems or subsystems.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainability of the recipient’s air fleet, enhancing its ability to confront current and future threats while providing defense and transport capabilities critical to regional security,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday the sale was expected to “take effect” within a month. The ministry is also very grateful for the support from the US.
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“With China trying to “normalize” its military activities near Taiwan and clamping down on its air and sea territory and the ability to train and react, the sale will be very helpful,” said a statement by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense.
“This will help maintain the proper equipment and replenishment of our air force’s fighter jets, meet the needs of defense operations and combat readiness training, and ensure that our traditional fighting strength is not compromised,” the statement continued.
The US is Taiwan’s most important international arms supplier, although it has no formal diplomatic relations. Taiwan’s presidential office noted this was the seventh arms sale approved by the Joe Biden administration.
(esn)
