U.S., Taiwan seal arms deals
ROC Central News Agency
2019/12/21 16:43
Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) Taiwan has signed letters of offer and acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for the procurement of F-16V fighter jets and other advanced military equipment, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Saturday.
According to local media reports, representatives from Taiwan's military and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) signed contracts for Taiwan's procurement of F-16V fighter jets, M1A2 Abrams tanks and BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles, for a total cost of NT$290 billion (US$9.5 billion), on Dec. 13.
The sales demonstrate that the U.S. attaches importance to Taiwan's defense capability and national security, MND spokesman Shih Shun-wen (史順文) told CNA.
"Taiwan and the U.S. will continue to consolidate security partnerships and jointly maintain the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region," Shih said.
Shih did not elaborate on details of the LOAs. However, the MND has been planning to purchase 66 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets, commonly known as the F-16Vs, as well as 108 M1A2 Abrams tanks and 1,240 BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles from the U.S., as well as various other arms and equipment.
According to a military source, the U.S. is expected to deliver one F-16 C Block 70 (single-seater) and one F-16 D Block 70 (two seater) in 2023 for testing. Formal deliveries will begin in batches a year later, with four to five units per batch.
Taiwan's arms procurements come at a time when Beijing is becoming increasingly aggressive against Taiwan militarily, with actions including island-circling flights and crossing over the median line of the Taiwan Strait by military planes.
(By Elaine Hou, Matt Yu and Emerson Lim) Enditem/J
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