Defense industry USA approves sale of fighter jet spare parts to Taiwan

The USA has approved the planned sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems as well as communications equipment to Taiwan. The orders of 385 million dollars would serve "US national, economic and security interests.

They would support the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Friday (local time).

The spare parts for the fighter jets and radar systems, worth 320 million dollars, will be supplied to Taipei from existing US military stocks. A separate sale, which includes equipment for a tactical communications system, is worth 65 million dollars, according to DSCA. The package approved by the State Department still has to be confirmed by the US Congress.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense expressed its "gratitude" for the recent arms sales on Saturday. The equipment will help "maintain the combat readiness of the Air Force's F-16 fighter aircraft and strengthen our air defense," the ministry said.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that should be reunited with the mainland - by military force if necessary. The Chinese military maintains an almost daily presence near the self-governing island with fighter jets, drones and warships. On Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced that 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven navy ships and two balloons had been spotted within 24 hours.

SDA