Jane's says Taiwan ready to test upgraded fighters

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on April 17, 2006. It reports that according to the Jane's Defense Weekly, Taiwan's air force is preparing to test two upgraded versions of its locally developed jet fighter, in order to increase the plane's range and firepower.

The two prototypes are produced by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. They are an improved version of the Ching-Kuo Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). Both the range and weaponry of the plane were intentionally limited under the U.S. technology transfer program that was crucial to the IDF's development in the 1980s. However, if the two prototypes go well during the test and are eventually approved by the air force, the Aerospace Industry Development Corp. will put the plane into production.

The upgrade allows the IDF to carry an additional 771 kilograms of fuel. The landing gear is strengthened to accommodate the added fuel. The upgrade also includes an improved avionics suite, retrofitted electronic-warfare capabilities and new weapon systems.

Specifically, the three-phase upgrade program was launched in 2001 and recently saw completion of its second phase. The first phase involved increasing the number of Tien Chien 2 (Sky Sword 2) air-to-air missiles from two to four, and integrating the new Tien Chien 2A anti-radiation missile and new Wan Chien (Ten Thousand Swords) cluster bomb. The second phase involved upgraded mission computers, electronic counter-countermeasures, electronic warfare systems, an advanced "identification friend or foe" system, and terrain-following and radar improvements.

The third and final phase will involve ground and air testing, with service entry scheduled for 2010 if the program is approved.

The Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. produced 130 IDFs during the 1980s to replace Taiwan's aging Lockheed F-104s and Northrop F-5s.