F-16C via WikipediaThe US have giving in to Chinese pressure and decided to stop the delivery of F-16 fighter planes to Taiwan, defense expert Wendell Minnick reports in Defense News. Taiwan’s officials are disappointed.
In Defense News:
A U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) delegation arrived here last week to deliver the news and offer instead a retrofit package for older F-16A/Bs that includes an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The visit coincided with the biennial Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE), held here Aug. 11-14.
“The U.S. Pentagon is here explaining what is in the upgrade package,” a U.S. defense industry source said at TADTE. “They are going to split the baby: no C/Ds, but the A/B upgrade is going forward.”
Sources said an official announcement of the decision is expected by month’s end.
More in Defense NewsWendell Minnick is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch.
