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| The Taiwan Air Force has about 70,000 personnel and over
400 combat aircraft. The current inventory includes approximately 180
older F-5E/F fighters and over 100 more modern Indigenous Defense Fighters
(IDFs).Production of all 130 IDFs was completed in early 2000. Most of the
IDFs are expected to be armed with the indigenously-produced, BVR Tien
Chien-II (Sky Sword-II) AR AAM.Taiwan also has purchased 150 F-16 fighters
from the United States: 120 single-seat "A" models and 30 two-
seat "B" models. On-island deliveries, which began in April
1997, were completed by the end of 1999 [by which time four aircraft had
been lost to accidents]. These aircraft are armed with upgraded
AIM-7M/SPARROW SAR and AIM-9P4 and AIM9S SIDEWINDER IR AAMs. Deliveries of
60 French-built Mirage 2000-5s also began in April 1997 and were completed
by October 1998 [though by early 2000 two aircraft had been lost to
accidents]. With its four MICA active radar (AR) and two MAGIC II infrared
(IR) AAMs, the Mirage 2000-5 is Taiwan's most formidable air defense
fighter. |
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The main operational units in the ROC Air Force include the
following:
 | 6 tactical combat aircraft wings;
| 1 transport/anti-submarine wing;
| 1 tactical control wing;
| 1 communication and ATC wing;
| 1 weather forecasting wing; and
| 1 air-defense artillery guards command, comprising
 | 4 commands,
| 14 air defense artillery battalions, and
| 11 guard battalions. |
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Aircraft of the ROCAF 
:
Fighters/Attack :
- F-16 A/B (Block 20 MLU)
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The F-16A Block 20 MLU is an upgraded version of the popular
fighter. It is fitted with a newer powerplant, upgraded avionics, and the
ability to launch BVR missiles such as the Sparrow and AMRAAM. The US
reluctance to allow the sale of AMRAAM missiles leaves ROCAF F-16s
dependent on AIM-7Ms for BVR engagements. In addition, the F-16, coupled
with the ALQ-184 ECM pod, is capable of carrying a variety of
air-to-ground munitions for ground attack missions.. The F-16 can carry a
maximum of 15,000 pounds of a variety of munitions for close air support
and deep interdiction. Coupled with the ALQ-184 ECM pod and AGM-65B
TV-guided missile, it will serve as the "Wild Weasel" radar
suppresser. A recent approval for the sale of 28 Pathfinder/Sharpshooter
units will greatly enhance night fighting, terrain following and ground
attack capabilities of the aircraft. A total of 150 units will be
delivered to the ROCAF over a period of five years. |
- F-CK-1 IDF
|
The F-CK-1 IDF was designed with assistance from Lockheed
and the former General Dynamics. The main disadvantage lies in its
powerplant, which generates a combined thrust of under 20,000 lbs, the
result of restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. However, it makes
up for the lack of power with exceptional agility, state-of-the-art
avionics and an array of locally-developed short and medium range AAMs, as
well as precision air-to-ground munitions. Its survivability has also been
enhanced with the aid of active ECM pods and integrated missile defense
systems. Production has been reduced to 130 after orders were placed for
the F-16 and Mirage 2000-5. |
- Mirage 2000-5
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|
France announced in 1992 that it would offer Dassault Mirage
2000-5 fighters to Taiwan. The number of aircraft considered had been
rumored to be 120, but the deal was finalized as 60 aircraft (48
single-seat 2000-5Ei and 12 two-seat 2000-5Di) on November 17 of the same
year. ROCAF also obtained 960 MICA medium-range and 480 Magic II
short-range air-to-air missiles from Matra. The former provides the Mirage
with the BVR capability needed for its role as front-line interceptor. |
- F-5 E/F & RF-5E
|
The ROCAF is currently upgrading the F-5Es through AIDC to
extend its service life. It will receive radar and fire control updates
which enable it to fire medium range BVR missiles. Once the updates are
complete, the F-5E will enjoy a significant advantage over the J-7.. With
the integration of a new generation of fighter aircraft, a number of F-5Es
were converted for the reconnaissance role by Singapore Aircraft
Industries. This type will replace the RT-CH-1 coastal patrol and
reconnaissance aircraft. It will complement the RF-104s and increase the
battle-damage assessment capabilities of the ROC commanders. |
Transport :
- C-130H
 |
On June 18, 1984, the Reagan administration of the US
informed the Congress of the proposed sale of 12 C-130H to Taiwan, which
was later approved by the Congress. These C-130 were to complement and
eventually replace the aging C-119. Delivery commenced in December 1986.
The first two C-130H (1312 and the other unspecified) arrived at Pingtung
on September 22, 1986. |
Support :
- E-2T Hawkeye
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Currently one of three Asian air forces with AWACS
capability (the others being Japan and Singapore), the ROCAF has
effectively doubled the target detection range and increased warning time
from 3 minutes to 25 minutes. Contrary to some rumors, this is not a
modified version of the E-2B. Its main radar is capable of detecting
targets up to 350 miles away, track up to 2000 targets and direct 40
fighters to intercept. A high level of automation and advanced user
interfaces help to reduce air and radar crew work loads. |
- C-130HE Tien Kan
 |
An official press release confirmed the existence of one
example of ROCAF C-130H conversion with the designation of C-130HE. Known
as "Tien Kan" or "Sky Jam," the C-130HE is a modified
version of the C-130 Hercules aircraft configured with CSIST-developed
equipment to perform tactical command, control and communications
countermeasures or C3CM. . It primarily supports tactical air operations
but also can provide jamming support to ground force operations. |
- S-70 C
|
The ROCAF received 14 S-70C-1 for SAR purposes in June 1986,
replacing the aging HH-1H. Shortly, four of the S-70C (7001 to 7004) were
modified as adminstrative transports. Ten years after the S-70C-1 were
delivered, the ROCAF ordered four S-70C-6 to boost its all-weather SAR
capability. They were handed over to the ROCAF at Sikorsky's factory on
April 7, 1998. The S-70C-6 feature FLIR, weather radar, and search light
in the nose and high-power speakers on port-side boom. All S-70C,
including those used for administrative transport purposes, are operated
by the Rescue Sq based at Chiayi AB.
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Sources :
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