U.S. arms sale strengthens Taiwan’s defense capabilities

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In response to warnings from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance about China's recruitment of Western pilots, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) emphasized on Friday (June 7) the importance of advancing pilot combat skills and developing new tactics in collaboration with partner nations.

Koo's statement addresses concerns raised by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand regarding China's efforts to train its military personnel using expertise from retired Western pilots.

Strengthening Taiwan's Defense Capabilities

Minister Koo highlighted the recent U.S. announcement of a new arms sale to Taiwan, which includes F-16 fighter jet components and drones, as a focal point of the recent Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum. He stressed the necessity of acquiring both general and specific parts to maintain the operational readiness of F-16 jets. Furthermore, Koo pointed out the significance of actively pursuing drone technology, emphasizing the future potential of domestic drone production and the integration of advanced AI systems for friend-or-foe identification and kill chain establishment.

A Strategic Approach to National Security

Koo assured that the Ministry of National Defense would exercise the right to self-defense in proportion to threats, adhering to comprehensive legal regulations. However, he noted the sensitivity of disclosing specific operational details, stating that immediate responses to emergencies are regulated and managed by the Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC, 聯合空中作戰中心) and the Joint Fleet Operations Center (JFOC, 海軍聯合艦隊作戰中心), underlining the importance of confidentiality in national defense strategies.

As Taiwan continues to enhance its military capabilities in the face of evolving threats, the collaboration with international partners and the focus on technological advancements in defense mechanisms underscore the island's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and security.