FMS: Taiwan Seeks F-16 Missiles and Services

Released on Tuesday, October 25, 2005

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of 10 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles and 5 AIM-7M Sparrow Missiles, continuation of a pilot training program and logistics support for F-16 aircraft, as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all operations are exercised, could be as high as $280 million.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested a possible sale of 10 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles and 5 AIM-7M Sparrow Missiles, continuation of a pilot training program and logistics support for F-16 aircraft, to include flight training, supply and maintenance support, spare and repair parts, support equipment, program management, publications, documentation, personnel training and training equipment, fuel and fueling services, and other related program requirements necessary to sustain a long-term CONUS training program. The estimated cost is $280 million.

In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States makes available sufficient defense items and services to allow Taiwan to provide for its own self-defense.

It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist the recipient in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The recipient will use these weapons for live fire exercises at the Luke Air Force Base training facility. These missiles will be drawn from the U.S. inventory if needed and remain in CONUS. These services and equipment are used in the continuing pilot training program at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This program enables the recipient to develop mission ready and experienced pilots through CONUS training. The training provides a "capstone" course that takes experienced pilots and significantly improves their tactical proficiency. Training is a key component of combat effectiveness, and recipient pilots who have graduated from the existing program have performed brilliantly.

The proposed sale of missiles and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to recipient. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.