Washington approves selling radar systems and F-16’s spare parts to Taiwan
The United States said Friday it has approved a potential sale of F-16 fighter jet spare parts and radar systems to Taiwan, valued at $320 million.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), a federal agency whose responsibilities include US foreign military sales, said the proposed contract is for equipment that is part of existing US military stockpiles.
“This proposed sale serves the national, economic, and security interests of the United States,” the agency said in a statement, by supporting Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability.
“This deal will improve Taiwan’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet,” according to the statement.
The proposed deal includes spare parts for F-16 aircraft and AESA radars, the agency said.
The US State Department approved the deal, and the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted the required notification to Congress on Friday.
The United States doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a state but nevertheless provides Taipei with significant military aid.
Beijing regularly opposes US support for Taiwan and accuses Washington of interfering in its affairs.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory that it hasn’t yet succeeded in reuniting since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.
Although it says it favors peaceful reunification, it has never abandoned the principle of using military force and regularly sends warships and fighter jets around the island.
