Defence

Taipei speeds modernisation efforts as pressure mounts following aircraft losses

Pressure is mounting on Taiwan's defence ministry to accelerate an overhaul of the nation's ageing aircraft and for parliament to approve a special budget for new procurements, following two fatal and high-profile accidents within recent weeks.

A licence-built air force Northrop F-5F crashed on 11 May, killing both crew members and two Singaporean soldiers on the ground, who were in Taiwan for a training exercise. The accident apparently took place during a simulated low-level attack, with witnesses saying the aircraft failed to pull up in time while executing the manoeuvre. The loss followed the crash of an army Bell UH-1H utility helicopter on 3 April that killed eight Taiwanese soldiers.

Taiwan's premier Su Tseng Chang said in the wake of the crashes that there is a need to "more actively push for the overhaul of warplanes and equipment". Industry observers say Taipei urgently needs to repair its F-5s, which are used for both reconnaissance and training purposes. More than 90 of the aircraft remain in frontline use, but around 17 have been lost in accidents since 1988. The air force temporarily grounded its F-5 fleet after the latest crash, but defence minister Lee Jye later announced: "The F-5Fs can still be used if they adequately meet standards."

Taiwan plans to replace its remaining F-5s with 66 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters, but the procurement is caught in a stalemate between the nation's two main political parties amid opposition to a proposed special budget worth $14.5 billion. The stalled proposal covers the acquisition of equipment including 12 Lockheed Martin P-3C surveillance aircraft, air-defence missiles and submarines from the USA, and Washington has said there will be no movement on Taiwan's $3.1 billion fighter request until the first budget has been approved.

Taiwan could also start a competition for a UH-1H replacement this year, with the UH-1Y and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk likely to be the contenders for the 90-aircraft deal. Taipei is meanwhile also likely to select Boeing's AH-64D Apache Longbow in its search for 30 attack helicopters for delivery from 2010. To potentially be approved next year, the deal could be valued at up to $7 billion.