TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The US sale of F-16 spare parts and mobile subscriber equipment will improve combat readiness, said Institute for National Defense and Security Research Director Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲).
Su said the additional equipment will boost wartime equipment stockpiles and enhance air defense resilience, per Liberty Times. The extra AESA radars included in the package are the standard for fifth-generation fighter jets and will strengthen the overall electronic warfare capabilities of Taiwan’s F-16V fleet, he said.
The US State Department announced the potential NT$12.5 billion (US$385 million) sale on Friday (Nov. 29).
Su said that the Improved Mobile Subscriber Equipment functions as a field base station capable of integrating all voice encryption, data links, and digital and analog signals into a comprehensive hub, distributing the processed information to subordinate units, CNA reported.
The Experimental Force (EXFOR) system mentioned in the Defense Security Cooperation Agency press release is an initiative that allows troops to assess new equipment and integrate commercial systems with military applications based on battlefield needs, Su said. This aligns with Taiwan's goal of forming the Defense Innovation Task Force and provides opportunities for Taiwan-US cooperation.
Last month, the US approved National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and radar equipment to Taiwan for NT$64 billion.