Taiwan Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter Gollevainen
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Because the F-CK-1 is more of a light-weight fighter (at ~12 tons MTOW) than a medium-weight fighter like the F-16 and J-10 (both at ~19 tons MTOW).
Still, 124 million USD per unit for a 4.5th-gen medium-weight fighter is just way too much. Heck, Pakistan got the J-10CEs (which is based on the latest J-10 variant) at just ~40 million USD each (some sources quote ~60 million).
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In my very humble opinion, and from the very little information I know about it, it has to be seen holistically:
the F-16 has a global user base, has hundreds of weapon loadout variants already operational, and is fully equipped to integrate into the Link 16 like the Taiwanese data link network that is coming/there.
On the other hand, sure, it might seem to be a missed opportunity to pile up and upgrade an indigenous aircraft.
Or is it?
As mentioned above, the F-16 fleet is worldwide and if the local industry is providing support service, it can basically support any F-16 worldwide.
Also, as far as I know, the F-16 cost per flying hour is exempt from any surprise.
Last, but not least, its provider probably is the least easily leveraged against from the mainland.
These arguments are more or less the same for any F-16 acquisition around the world. And might even be true for its successor.
the F-16 has a global user base, has hundreds of weapon loadout variants already operational, and is fully equipped to integrate into the Link 16 like the Taiwanese data link network that is coming/there.
On the other hand, sure, it might seem to be a missed opportunity to pile up and upgrade an indigenous aircraft.
Or is it?
As mentioned above, the F-16 fleet is worldwide and if the local industry is providing support service, it can basically support any F-16 worldwide.
Also, as far as I know, the F-16 cost per flying hour is exempt from any surprise.
Last, but not least, its provider probably is the least easily leveraged against from the mainland.
These arguments are more or less the same for any F-16 acquisition around the world. And might even be true for its successor.
You're thinking too much. The reason they bought it is because the DPP government is an American plant.
I don't have the source on hand, but I believe the plane itself is costed at roughly $80 million, but the deal also includes weapons, spare parts, etc.
While I agree that the reason is simple, its not just to please America (Though the price tag does), but the F-16V is roughly equal to the J-10C
PLAAF has 100's of J-10C ready to go.
F-CK-1 does not have AESA ready or anything, so how long would it take to develop and produce? By then you are probably looking at 100's of J-10CE exported (and yes that's taking into account the 0 customers besides Pakistan right now).
The real question is why IRST for F-16 is going cost 500 mil
F-CK-1 could've received a new update for that money, but:
(1)ROC doesn't aim for a single type fleet; especially not for their own, which (I guess they're concise enough) is both untested and (comparatively) resource-deprived over decades.
(2)US security obligations cost money, not just submission;
(3)F-CK-1 is a unique local plane with unique missile options. F-16 weapons and spares aren't, and can be delivered in any numbers, as long as there is some connection with the outside world (or even operated from the outside).
(4) The next F-CK-1 update, IIRC, is in the pipeline anyway.
It makes sense to have a local option as at least a safeguard against both completely crazy deals and shifting political climate within US, but in Taiwan case, from the military perspective, american fighter type is an absolute need.
(1)ROC doesn't aim for a single type fleet; especially not for their own, which (I guess they're concise enough) is both untested and (comparatively) resource-deprived over decades.
(2)US security obligations cost money, not just submission;
(3)F-CK-1 is a unique local plane with unique missile options. F-16 weapons and spares aren't, and can be delivered in any numbers, as long as there is some connection with the outside world (or even operated from the outside).
(4) The next F-CK-1 update, IIRC, is in the pipeline anyway.
It makes sense to have a local option as at least a safeguard against both completely crazy deals and shifting political climate within US, but in Taiwan case, from the military perspective, american fighter type is an absolute need.
The F-16 is hopelessly obsolete against the modern fighters in service in the PRC. If they really want to beef up Taiwan's air force, they would have to sell them the F-35. Which at this point has a similar price to the F-16. But the US won't do it so they won't annoy the PRC.
This F-16 purchase is just a waste of money.
This F-16 purchase is just a waste of money.
Possibly also because they know it won't make a significant difference so why hand PRC a PR victory in case of a Taiwanese defeat + potential access to its F-35.