U.S. May Sell Weapons to Taiwan
By REUTERS
Published: September 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Reuters) The Pentagon announced tentative
plans on Wednesday to sell surplus P-3C Orion submarine-hunting
aircraft and air-defense missiles to Taiwan in deals potentially
worth more than $2.23 billion, including related gear and
services.
Taiwan is seeking to buy 12 surplus P-3C maritime patrol aircraft
with T-56 turboprop engines, data terminals and a mobile operation
command center in a deal that could be worth $1.96 billion, the
Pentagons Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to
Congress.
In a separate notice, the agency said it was also tentatively
planning to sell Taiwan 144 SM-2 Block 3A Standard missiles to
defend against cruise missiles and aircraft threats in a package
that could total $272 million.
The P-3C is a land-based maritime patrol and submarine warfare
aircraft.
It is to be replaced in the United States arsenal by the P-6
Multimission maritime aircraft, scheduled to enter service in
2013.
As part of the proposed P-3C deal, Taiwan also would get help
integrating its intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance
network, the Pentagon said.
The Pentagon said the proposed sale would be to the Taipei Economic
and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, Taiwans
unofficial embassy.
Taiwans current patrol aircraft are reaching the end of their
usefulness, the Pentagon said. The sale would improve Taiwans
security and help maintain political stability, military balance
and economic progress in the region, the notice to Congress
said.
Principal contractors for the P-3C Orion deal include Lockheed
Martin, Rockwell Collins and Raytheon.
The SM-2 missiles, which would supplement those already in Taiwans
inventory, are for Taiwans destroyers. Raytheon would be the prime
contractor, according to the Pentagon.
The notice of a potential sale is required by law. It does not mean
a deal has been concluded. Congress can block such sales but rarely
does.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/world/asia/13taiwan.html?ref=world
Dun understand why Taiwan keeps buying old and 'over price'
equipments from US.
