Taiwan arms F-16V Fighting Falcon fighters with AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles amid Chinese threat

Late last year, Taiwan upgraded its 100th fourth-generation F-16 fighter to the F-16V. The planes were armed with air-to-air missiles in the face of the Chinese threat.

Here's What We Know

Bombers and fighters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army conduct regular flights near the island. As such, the Taiwan Air Force has decided to equip its F-16Vs with AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, which were purchased from the US in 2016.

According to the source, all 64 Fighting Falcon fighters belonging to the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing are equipped with AIM-9X Block II level missiles, the aircraft are based in the southwest of the island nation.

In addition to the Sidewinder, Taiwan uses AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. They have also been seen on F-16V fighters of the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing. The aircraft are based in the east of the island.

Taiwan ordered a new shipment of 100 Sidewinder missiles in early 2023 at a cost of nearly $80 million. Deliveries will be completed by 2030. In addition, the US this year approved the sale of 300 AGM-88 HARM and AIM-120C-8 ARMAAM missiles worth $619 million.

Source: scmp