TAIPEI (TVBS News) — On Wednesday (Aug. 23), the United States announced a US＄500 million defense deal with Taiwan (approximately NT＄15.9 billion), including the infrared search and track (IRST) system and related equipment for F-16V (BLK70) fighter jets.
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported that it has notified Congress of the sale after it was approved by the State Department.
The deal, which is expected to take effect in a month, will significantly enhance Taiwan military's long-range search capabilities, improving air combat effectiveness, and make it more difficult for China's People's Liberation Army's stealthy fighters to hide.
Director Mei Fu-shin of the Taiwan Security Analysis Center (TAISAC) said the IRST will significantly boost the Air Force's ability to detect and acquire low signal targets.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that the IRST, specifically designed for the F-16 jets, will strengthen the fighter jets' abilities to detect and track long-range targets, thus greatly improving air combat effectiveness.
This marks the eleventh defense sale to Taiwan under the Joe Biden's administration.