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| Taiwan Military News; The REPUBLIC of China | |
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| Topic Started: 26th July 2009 - 10:35 AM (205 Views) | |
| Taiwan | 26th July 2009 - 10:35 AM Post #1 |
The Original Asian Tiger
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Speaking to Cadets at the Republic of China Military Academy in Fengshan, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad expounded his views on the necessity of a comprehensive U.S defense policy for the Taiwan Strait. Khalilzad was the author of a 2001 Rand Report: "THE UNITED STATES AND ASIA- Toward a New U.S. Strategy and Force Posture", which outlined strategies for a cooperative defense of the Taiwan Strait region. One of the more notable recommendations of the study was the relocation of a number U.S. Marine Corps assets from Futenma Marine Air Base on Okinawa to the island of Shimoji, located less than 250 nautical miles from Taiwan. Khalilzad presented a number of the commission's findings in support of that conclusion quoting from the report: "The Japanese island of Shimoji-shima boasts a 10,000-foot runway, built decades ago for civilian airline flight training. It is long enough for combat-armed F-15C fighter planes to use safely." Furthermore, "The removal or reduction of U.S. forces elsewhere in the islands, such as the withdrawal of the Marines from Okinawa, could be the currency with which Washington might pay for a foothold in the critical area surrounding the troubled waters of the Taiwan Strait." The proposal would also have the added benefits of reducing high visibility protests in Okinawa, and as one USMC officer stated, the strategic location for helicopter refueling was an "operational necessity." Khalilzad concluded his speech with an invitation to the international community to lend greater attention to the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait, specifically with the selection of joint bases with close proximity to the region to maintain security. Mr. Khalilzad's speech was greeted with a standing ovation from the Academy Cadets. |
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| Taiwan | 27th July 2009 - 07:09 PM Post #2 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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In a routine security briefing, Ministry of Defense spokesman Paul Chiu announced that effective as of the new year, a squadron of United States Air Force F-22A "Raptors" would be stationed at Hsinchu Air Base on Taiwanese soil. Hsinchu is home to the ROCAF 499th Tactical Fighter Wing, comprised of a compliment of Taiwan's Mirage 2000s. It is believed that the agreement was reached after the United States declined to offer Taiwan F-22s for sale due to "political reasons" The announcement came only a week after a speech from former ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad calling on the United States and Japan to establish bases geographically closer to Taiwan. Mr. Chiu stated that "The deployment of US F-22s to Taiwan allays many of the security concerns we have concerning the balance of power in the Formosa Strait. We are pleased by this development and look forward to improving our strategic cooperation with the United States in our future." |
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| Taiwan | 8th August 2009 - 09:20 PM Post #3 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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SSIC: Under the guise of a routine Operational Readiness Inspection, the Taiwanese Armed Forces staged a major training exercise this weekend. Major focuses included maintaining the operability of ROCAF Air Bases after weathering a presumed preemptive missile strike from the PRC. To that end, maintence personnel practiced repair and refuleing under heavy fire, pilots practiced taking off in MOS (Minimum Operating Strip) conditions, and specialized RDATs (Runway Damage Assesment Teams) were deployed to practice airstrip reconstitution. All personnel participated in NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) warfare training. Pilots simulated a "Battle of Britain" scenario and practiced in high sortie-generation conditions (i.e., the second a plane lands it's being refueled, maintenced, and sent up in the air again). Additionally, effective immediately the number of flight hours required for Taiwanese pilots has been raised from 180 to 200, as part of the MoD's empahsis on highly trained airmen. Headquarters ROCAF also participated in the exercise, testing their C4ISTAR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisitons, and Reconnaissance) integrated network interface. Command also simulated having to coordinate the assistance of possible friendly militaries (such as the United States) in the area to optimize interoperability and sharing of intelligence, especially from AWACS assets. The simulation assumed a number of different models, from a single squadron of foreign F-15s to two full Carrier Battle Groups, several squadrons, and a Marine brigade (all of these are actual assets the United States has that could conceivably be made available in the event of attack). On the Air Defense front, several PAC-3 batteries practiced missile and aircraft interception along with the newly developed Sky Bow IIIS. E-2T Hawkeyes from the 78th Squadron ROCAF flew sorties to simulate the disabling of land-based radar. And the Air Staff divided the airspace over the Taiwan Strait into several "Defense Zones" which could be variously assigned to ROC or foreign friendly aircraft to ensure effectiveness. On the naval side, naval air helicopters practiced ASW against the ROCN's submarine fleet while the Army held beachead defense exercises. ALSO IN SSIC: Taiwan has begun clandestinely hardening its maintenance and supply hangars against missile attack. Mountainside parking areas similar to the underground facilities at Chiashan Airbase in Hualien and Chihhang Airbase in Taitung are being constructed at additional airbases across the country, including Chiayi and Fengnin. Fuel tank farms are being placed underground and hooked up to indoor "hydrants" instead of vulerable fuel trucks. Runway repair materiel is being stockpiled at all major airstrips. Taiwan is taking an approach similar to NATO's during the Cold War, assuming a first strike by the PRC will likely target Airbases and other strategic targets across the country. As the ROCAF already has existing underground capacity for about half of its fighter aircraft, it is hoped these projects will shelter the vast majority of its inventory against missile attack. Edited by Taiwan, 10th August 2009 - 05:33 AM.
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| Taiwan | 10th August 2009 - 06:02 AM Post #4 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Defense Minister Announces "NCO Academy" Minister of Defense Chen Chao-min announced today that Taiwan would begin undertaking a major initiative aimed at recruiting and retaining high quality Non-Commissioned Officers for the Armed Forces. Non-Commissioned Officers (or "NCOs") are widely regarded as the backbone of the modern military due to their wealth of training and experience. As such the Republic of China Army is particularly interested in the proposed program to complement their "Force Efficiency" drive, in which the exisiting force structure's capabilities are improved rather than the total number of brigades through conscription (Although the MoD has not ruled out this possibility in the event of a national emergency). Under the program, new NCOs and senior enlisted personnel will be offered a bonus of NT$16,000 (approximately US$500.00) to attend the NCO Academy. The Academy will consist of a year-long curriculum focusing on leadership and tactical thinking skills. Upon completing the Academy, graduates will be immediately eligible for promotion of two grades, not to extend past the rank of Sergent First Class (E-7) and will recieve a monthly bonus for their degree. However, graduates will incur an additional service committment of at least 3 years. Minister Chao-Min was pleased with the plan, claiming that "The NCO Academy is a major step forward in developing our senior enlisted corps into world-class soldiers. Our troops deserve the absolute best leadership they can get, and now, they have it." The new program will start effective immediately and will initially be open 300 applicants for the Class of 2015. |
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| Taiwan | 10th August 2009 - 11:57 PM Post #5 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Taiwan to get "FIRESTRIKE" Lasers Defense Minister Chen Chao-min announced today that Taiwan had negotiated with the United States to purchase the new "FIRESTRIKE" laser system. The FIRESTRIKE is a high powered laser that, when 7 units are combined, is capable of disabling the electronics of incoming missiles. Minister Chao-min revealed that the ROCN's Arleigh Burke and Kidd Class destroyers would immediately be outfitted with the system, wth more ships to be eligible for upgrade in the near future. Firestrike batteries are also being placed at strategic airbases around the country. These measures will increase Taiwan's ballistic missile defense amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. |
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| Taiwan | 21st August 2009 - 03:15 AM Post #6 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Taiwanese Fleet Returns Home Amid Fanfare Taiwan Navy's 94 detachment returned to Taiwan on June 19th, Chen Bang-jhih, the Commander-In-Chief of the R.O.C. Navy, reviewed the troops. KAOHSIUNG, R.O.C. An ROCN task force that participated in the multinational fleet to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has returned to Taiwan, weeks after the Iranian blockade was eliminated. Chen Bang-jhih, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, declared "Total success in the operation," and was pleased to report "zero casualties, to either personnel or equipment." Although ROCN vessels did not directly participate in open conflict against Iranian forces, they did engage in combat patrols in the Arabian Gulf. Bang-jhih noted that "Taiwan still performed an essential mission," and that "The presence of a full-strength international fleet was an effective deterrent to Iran against escalating further." The local populace was out in force at the Naval Pier in Kaohsiung, as sailors were reunited with their spouses and children grateful for a safe return. The mood was festive as Task Force Commander Zhou Yi reported full accountability to Ban-jhih, followed by a parade and a flyover by Taiwan's Aerial Demonstration Team. A survey of attendees found that there was overwhelming support for Taiwan's participation in the cooperative task force, and that citizens would support similar actions in the future. "It all goes to show that Taiwan is becoming a major figure in the international arena," one sailor remarked. "We'll probably see a lot more of these types of missions in the future as Taiwan becomes more and more a global player." Now that they are back in port, a number of the ships from the Task Force including the ROCN's Arleigh Burke and Kidd Class will be outfitted with the Navy's new FIRESTRIKE laser defense systems. Edited by Taiwan, 25th August 2009 - 11:34 PM.
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| Taiwan | 23rd August 2009 - 06:57 PM Post #7 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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ROCAF to Attend Red Flag Event TAIPEI, R.O.C. The Department of the Air Force today announced that it would be sending a team to compete at the Red Flag advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted by the United States at the Nellis Air Force Range in Nevada. The ROCAF delegation will consist of 8 F-16 D Fighting Falcons as well as 10 F-CK-1 C/D Indigenous Defense Fighters that are exclusive to the ROC. Taiwanese pilots has participated with and even beat USAF pilots in wargames in the past, but this will be the first time Taiwan is attending the presitigous and multinational Red Flag. The ROCAF is expected to represent the nation extremely well, as Taiwan's pilots are consistently ranked among the best trained in the world. |
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| Taiwan | 25th August 2009 - 11:16 PM Post #8 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Taiwan Armored Divisions to Recieve Big Upgrade Taiwan's existing inventory of M60A3 "Patton" Main Battle Tanks will be experiencing a major facelift this year, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense. The Army's 480 M60s currently form the core of Taiwan's tank forces, and are still in excellent fighting condition- but are not as capable as the most modern platforms. In an apparent attempt to close this disparity, the Department of the Army announced today that it had purchased "M60-2000" upgrade kits from the United States for all of its 480 models. The deal was reported to be worth US$2 million per tank, for a total contract of US$950 million. The M60-2000 is also known as the 120S - the 120 represents the tank's new 120 mm smoothbore main gun while the "S" stands for "Speed and Survivability." General Dynamics Land Systems provides the conversion kits, which come with the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams tank turret with accompanying 120 mm gun, as well as a new 1200-horsepower AVDS-1790 diesel powerpack and Allison X-1100-5 transmission. Other improvements include an M1A1 suspension system, 240X4 Forward Looking Infrared Radar, and advanced armor protection around the turret. Army spokesman Capt. Han Li said that the military "Was pleased with the upgrade," noting that "It essentially turns to the M60 into a whole new tank- similar in performance to the M1 Abrams, but at half the cost." The new M60-2000s will be augmented by 285 highly modern B-T2 Pitão Main Battle Tanks from Brazil, ordered by the military this year and to be delivered in 2016. |
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| Taiwan | 28th August 2009 - 08:31 PM Post #9 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Army Field Manual to be Revised New revisions for Taiwan's Army Field Manual have been released by the General Staff, to reflect the imminent possibility of operations in the Middle East. Specifically the standard Rules of Engagement have been updated. AFM Chapter 9 "Occupation Operations" have been revised to show that any person or vehicle entering or approaching a restricted security zone will be given one (1) warning in what is presumed to be their native language. If the offending party refuses to immediately comply, he/she/it will be shot on site, without exception. The new ROEs also allow any Taiwanese soldier to "disable" any person or vehicle exhibiting suicidal behavior. Instruction for searches and entry control point procedures have also been overhauled. These updates will be immediately implented among the Armed Forces and Taiwanese military personnel acting in accordance with these ROEs wil be considered doing so under lawful authority. |
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| Taiwan | 6th September 2009 - 12:12 AM Post #10 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Navy Deploys Advanced New Submarines TSOYING, R.O.C. The Republic of China Navy announced today that it's new Hai Lung II "Hidden Dragon" Attack Submarines had completed final testing and will be commissioned at a ceremony later this month. The ROCN placed an initial order for 8 of the submarines, construction on which began in 2009. However a Navy spokesman announced that only 7 of the vessels will be commissioned later this month. These additions to will greatly increase Taiwan's submarine fleet, which until now has primarily consisted of upgraded Zwaardvis class Dutch-built subs. The ROCN has plans to order another 4 of the domestically produced submarines in the near future. SSIC: The missing 8th submarine will be used as a prototype for further research to eliminate any engine noise issues, after which it will be deployed along with the others. Edited by Taiwan, 8th November 2009 - 01:09 AM.
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| Taiwan | 11th September 2009 - 11:39 PM Post #11 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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ROCA Inks Deal With Georgian MoD TAIPEI, R.O.C. The ROC Army announced today that it had reached a deal with the Georgian Mnistry of Defense for consultation and "other services." The purpose of the agreement, reportedly worth in excess of $110 million, is to provide advisory support for Georgia's newest defense contractor, to be known as Georgia Defence Works (GDW). The new company is charged with standing up Georgia's small arms industry, in order to reduce the Army's dependency on the former Soviet Union. As such GDW has turned to Taiwan's 205th Armory, the state-run enterprise responsible for manufacturing several of the ROCA's land systems. Specialists from the 205th are being dispatched to Georgia within the next few weeks under the deal, using their expertise from the Taiwanese T-54, T-84, T-85, and T-86 to jumpstart GDW's design and production processes. Also part of the deal, Taiwan will be providing several orders of heavy machinery for GDW's manufacuturing plant. The agreement is indicative of growing military ties between Georgia and the ROC, which sold Georgia a number of warships earlier this year. |
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| Taiwan | 25th September 2009 - 05:11 AM Post #12 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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ROCN Recieves Advanced New Helicopters TAIPEI, R.O.C. The ROCN announced today that it had taken possesion of the first of its new Augusta Westland 159 "Lynx Wildcat" helicopters from Italy. Three of the ultra-modern aircraft have been recieved thus far, out of a total of 15 to be delivered under the contract with Italy. Along with Taiwan's SH-60 Seahawks, the new AW159s are to form the bulk of the ROCN's aviation antisubmarine capabilities. |
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| Taiwan | 27th September 2009 - 09:56 PM Post #13 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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SSIC: Following Iran's new offensive, all Taiwanese forces on Kharg Island have been placed on high alert. ROCN TF-12 has cordoned off the island and ROCAF F-16s are conducting around the clock air patrols. Internal security is tight, and an even stricter curfew has been imposed on the local populace inside their internment camp to prevent inflitration. |
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| Taiwan | 7th November 2009 - 08:40 AM Post #14 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Presidential Commission Releases Defense Review TAIPEI,R.O.C. The preliminary draft report of the President's Commission on Strengthening National Defense has been released and is now posted on the Ministry of Defense's website. The Commission, which was authorized by the President on Armed Forces day of last year, deliberated for months before reaching this tentative draft conclusion. It is largely speculated that the report was ordered in response to Taiwan's involvement in the Hormuz War, as a comprehensive review of Taiwanese performance during the conflict. The Commission made a number of recommendations in its report, the Abstract of which can be found below: REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL COMMISSION ON STRENGTHENING NATIONAL DEFENSE - ABSTRACT On 3 July 2014, the Islamic Republic of Iran declared war on much of the world by launching multiple salvoes of Shahab-3 and Shahab-6 missiles, armed with powerful fuel-air bomb warheads. One of these missiles was targeted at the city of Taipei, Taiwan. In the wake of this unprovoked aggression, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force of the Republic of China authorized the use military force against the Islamic Republic- marking the beginning of a year-long involvement of Taiwan forces in what would become known as the Hormuz War. On 3 September 2014 (Armed Forces Day), after the deaths of more than 40 Taiwanese servicemen in action overseas, the President ordered the creation of a Special Commission to review the performance of the military during the Hormuz conflict and investigate solutions and strategies to vastly improve the capabilities of the ROC Armed Forces- with the objective of improving Taiwan’s response to similar incidents in the future. This report details the findings of that Commission. Over the past several months since the President’s authorization, this Commission has made an extensive study of the posture, capabilities, and doctrine of all services of the Armed Forces in both peacetime and wartime. A vast database of relevant statistics was compiled courtesy of the Ministry of Defense, and personal interviews were conducted with both high-ranking officers and enlisted servicemen. After weeks of processing this and other gathered information, the Commission unanimously adopted this preliminary draft report. This report contains several recommendations of the Commission, which are divided into the following area listed below. Included with each topic is an overview of the Commission’s most pressing findings and recommendations: National Defense Policy/Strategy: Under Article 137 of the Republic of China Constitution, “It shall be objective of the national defense of the Republic of China to safeguard national security and preserve world peace.” Under the aforementioned basis, the ROC’s defense establishment seeks to defend national security, safeguard the public’s livelihood, and sustain development. Assessing the current strategic environment’s threats and challenges, the ROC must continue to build modern defense capabilities to deter war, while redoubling its efforts to promote world peace and regional stability. The ROC should seize every opportunity to engage in civil-military cooperation with its friends and allies, thereby leveraging its capabilities for the benefit of regional security. Defense Organization & Structure: The Armed Forces of the Republic of China currently consist of over 300,000 members, divided among seven major commands: Army, Navy, Air Force, Military Police, Combined Logistics, Reserve, and MoD Administrative. In accordance with the MoD’s philosophy of “warfighting-equipping-organizing-training,” and taking into account the need for greater cost effectiveness, the Commission proposes reorganizing the current seven commands into a revised four: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Military Police, to reflect the four major combat-oriented components of the Armed Forces. The Commission proposes integrating the three remaining commands into their respective branch commands, with Combined Logistics capabilities being dispersed to appropriate bases and units to facilitate optimal interoperability. Reserve brigades, the vast majority of which are Ground units, will be transferred to the Army command. Navy and Air Force Reserves, which currently compose the minority of the total reserve force, will be transferred to their respective branches and expanded, to reflect the increasingly joint nature of modern warfare. Elements of the MoD Administrative Command, which include regional reserve commands, new recruit brigades, and political warfare operations troops, will for the most part be integrated in the Army. In tandem with this reorganization, the Commission recommends that all branches of the Armed Forces increase their ratio of civilian to military members, to provide quality personnel with specialized expertise and increased potential for longstanding development. Force Composition: As of this writing, conscription is still in effect for all Taiwanese males ages 18-21. However, great strides have been taken by previous administrations to reduce the need for conscription by providing alternate options to fulfill obligations through civil service or waivers for higher education. This is in keeping with the MoD’s goal of an elite, highly trained, all volunteer force in the near future. The Commission projects that current recruitment efforts will be sufficient to achieve the transition to an all volunteer force meeting the MoD’s guidelines by 2022. Such efforts could be accelerated by enacted an across-the-board salary increase for both enlisted and officer personnel. The Commission strongly recommends such a course of action, and proposes a pay raise of 7%. Joint Expeditionary Capabilities: Perhaps the most visible aspect of the ROC Armed Forces during the current conflict fell under the category of Joint Expeditionary Capabilities. Unfortunately, the Commission all finds that this area requires the most improvement. An internal review of the Hormuz deployment found that no clear chain of command was established for the conduct of Joint Operations in an expeditionary environment, with the senior military officer (who happened to be a Navy Rear-Admiral) unilaterally assuming command of all ROC assets in theatre. The Commission recommends that in future expeditionary operations, a “Theatre Commander” be appointed by the General Staff and accompanied by his or her own headquarters staff comprised of personnel from all different branches involved in the action. Furthermore, a “Senior Service Officer,” should be designated for each branch, preferably a commander of a deployed unit, and irrespective of the branch of the Theatre Commander. Each Senior Service Officer will report directly to the Theatre Commander, and will be responsible for the assets of his or her respective service. Indentifying the MoD’s need for centralized theatre command in expeditionary environments, it is imperative that the Ministry indentify and train general officers and associated cadre qualified to act in the theatre commander capacity- to facilitate their rapid deployment in overseas situations. A standardized protocol should be established to seamlessly transition from individual to Joint Forces Expeditionary Command. Inseparable from the development of Joint Forces capabilities is the necessity of developing interoperability with coalition or allied forces. The Commission notes great improvement in this area as of late, including the procurement of compatible C4ISR systems, as well as the integration of contingency plans and command force structures. The Commission recommends additional military training exercises with major allies such as the United States and other NATO countries to ensure the effectiveness of these systems and strategies. Finally, if the ROC is to fully complete its stated mission as a “peacekeeper” in regional and world arenas, it is essential that it move to rapidly procure equipment, vehicles, and weapons systems with maximum expeditionary capabilities- to include rapid deployability, lethality, and capacity for sustained operations. Successfully obtaining such systems will require appropriations outside the normal budgetary process, which the Commission strongly urges. Additional guidance on this subject can be found in sections to follow. Joint Sea Control Capabilities: The ROC’s naval capabilities in the Hormuz War were provided by ROCN Task Force 12, which consisted solely of conventional warships. While adequate for the conflict at hand, the Commission identified an acute lack of long-range sealift capabilities within the ROC Armed Forces. Taiwan does maintain an extensive merchant marine; however, the Commission believes that additional capability to rapidly deploy smaller units of combat-ready ROC Marines with full combat support is necessary. As such, the Commission recommends the future procurement of a suitable vessel or vessels, such as an Amphibious Assault Ship, Sea Control Vessel, or even light Aircraft Carrier- which would serve as the flagship of the ROCN fleet. Landing vessels, such as the Endurance class landing dock recently obtained by the CSBC, should also be obtained. Additional escort and support ships will naturally be required for any such purchases. The Commission would caution, however, that sensitivity should be lended to the current political situation with regards to the procurement of such advanced combat systems. Joint Ground Defense Capabilities: Ground Support was provided during the Hormuz War by the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade, consisting of some 7,000 soldier and 100 transport and attack helicopters. The 602nd was well suited to this expeditionary mission and performed admirably, especially during its heroic assault of Kharg Island. Due to their clear combat effectiveness, especially in a deployed scenario, the Commission proposes reorganizing the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade as a designated Air Expeditionary Brigade, the primary mission of which would be to train, prepare, and deploy overseas. The 602nd’s sister units, the 601st and 603rd Air Cavalry Brigades, would be similarly reorganized. As these new Air Expeditionary Brigades would comprise the backbone of the ROC’s rapidly deployable forces, they would require the latest in military equipment and technology. The Commission recommends that each Air Expeditionary Brigade be organized as follows. It should be noted that the Commission assumes unit strength is increased to 10,000 from the present 7,000, to facilitate each brigade being able to deploy independently as a stand-alone unit. 601st Air Expeditionary Brigade: - Headquarters Company (Officers and Staff. Also includes Military Police) - 1st Infantry Battalion (Light vehicles, HUMVEEs, etc.) - 2nd Infantry Battalion (Light vehicles, HUMVEEs, etc.) - 3rd Battalion, Paratroopers ( attached fixed wing aircraft [C-130] if needed) - 7th Field Artillery Regiment (LT 2000 MLRS or M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer) - Air Defense Company (AN/TWQ-1 Avenger anti-air system) - 19th Armored Battalion (CM-32 tank destroyer variant w/ 120mm gun) - Field Medicine Company - Combat Engineers Company - 10th Transport Helicopter Regiment (UH-60 Blackhawk) - 12th Attack Helicopter Regiment (AH-64D Apache Longbow) Three such Air Expeditionary Brigades of 10,000 would result in a total rapid deployment force of 30,000 available to the MoD, which the Commission feels would be more than adequate to meet Taiwan’s needs. To reduce the possible financial strain, however, the Commission recommends that only one Air Expeditionary Brigade be held for rapid employment at any one time, while the remaining two rotate through training and readiness exercises. In light of the clear drain this proposal would have on Army personnel, the Commission further recommends that the Army quickly move to replace the 601st, 602nd, and 603rd Air Cavalry brigades which are to be transformed. The new units would be composed similarly to the existing air cavalry structure, except would be known as Airmobile brigades and would be oriented towards internal mobility operations rather than postured for deployment. This will of course necessitate an expansion of the Army, and additional appropriations for the new brigades. Joint Air Dominance Capabilities: The ROCAF contributed the 26th and 27th Tactical Fighter Squadrons to Saudi Arabia during the Hormuz war, and both units were invaluable to the victory of Taiwanese forces in the region. F-16Es from the 26th and 27th successfully conducted precision strikes against targets in Iran while simultaneously suppressing enemy resistance during the siege of Kharg Island. The Commission was very much pleased with the ROCAF’s efforts to procure the most advanced weapon systems available to them, while at the same time producing quality pilots. It is of the opinion that such efforts should be continued- to include the upgrade of all F-CK-1 C/D IDFs to the E standard. The Commission also applauds the ROCAF’s contingency training exercises, such as improvised takeoffs and landings under simulated fire (a scenario which could easily come true under expected expeditionary conditions). However, the Commission found much to be desired in the ROCAF’s noncombat capabilities- specifically airlift and aerial refueling. The ROCAF’s only strategic airlift platform (indeed, if it can even be called that), is the C-130 Hercules, which is by no means adequate for the modern force requirements of the Taiwanese Armed Forces. The Commission urges the immediate procurement of newer aircraft (such as the C-17 or C-5) with longer range and greater transport capacity. This should be a top priority of the MoD, as without airlift aircraft it is difficult if not impossible to bring expeditionary troops to the fight. The current lack of tanker refueling aircraft has also served as a major bottleneck to the professional development of the ROCAF thus far. Taiwanese aircraft were dependent on American tankers to deploy to the Middle East, which is unacceptable in today’s increasingly expeditionary environment. The development of a Taiwanese tanker fleet would not only effectively increase to unlimited the range of ROCAF aircraft, it would also enable longer combat sorties in wartime- increasing the combat effectiveness of each aircraft while decreasing time and money wasted on the ground. The Commission views eligible candidates as the KC-135 and KC-10A, both of which could be obtained second-hand from the United States at low cost to the ROCAF. Finally, revisiting the concept of the Air Expeditionary Brigade- it is highly probable that the new units will require additional helicopters for both their attack and transport battalions. As such the Commission recommends that all requisite aircraft be obtained for the formation of these brigades. Reserve Mobilization Capabilities: As the ROC Armed Forces transition towards the MoD’s vision of a leaner, fitter, all-volunteer fighting force, the Reserve component of the Taiwanese military will become all the more important. Reserve service for all Taiwanese males still is and will continue to be compulsory for the foreseeable future, and Taiwan’s large force of highly trained reserves has always been a significant part of its deterrence strategy. The MoD should be commended for its exemplary job thus far, however room for improvement does exist. First, there should be a clearly articulated mobilization plan for the contingency of reserve mobilization, specific to each regional command. Reserve troops, which receive regular training in wartime operations, should also participate in rapid mobilization exercises to test and evaluate the effectiveness of their respective mobilization plan. Along with this training, reserves should also be exposed to Joint military exercises involving all services, as total national participation will be likely in the event of a contingency. A delineation should also be established between regional reserve commands (who train and mobilize in the context of the defense of each their respective region), and at-large reserves (who are not tied to any one region and are available for other uses as determined by the MoD- such as expeditionary duties. At-large reserves receive more frequent and in-depth training -as “professional” reserves- and as such are awarded higher compensation). Additionally, simple and efficient logistics lines should be established for each regional reserve command to facilitate the stockpiling, maintenance, and resupply of weapons and materiel- both in war and peacetime. Finally, the Commission advocates the rapid completion of the nationwide missile/NBC integrated warning system, which would also inform citizens of relevant actions for completion of mobilization plans. Human Resource Development: Now more than ever, human resource development is an integral part of accelerating the Armed Forces’ (specifically the Army’s) transition to a highly elite, technological force. The Commission takes special note of the NCO Academy established by the MoD two years ago, and would recommend expanding the concept to community colleges and vocational schools across the country in a sort of “ROTC” model for prospective NCOs. The Commission’s other primary focus with regard to human resource development was training, specifically with friends and allies. The ROC Armed Forces already conduct extensive military exercises with the United States in all services, but the Commission would advocate increasing this cooperation by whatever means possible. Ideally, the ROC should send the largest possible delegation to each of the U.S. Service Academies and War Colleges, as well as associated technical and career training. Not only do such joint exercises improve the proficiency of our personnel, they also foster goodwill relations between the ROC and its closest ally, the United States. Asymmetrical Warfare “Asymmetric Warfare” is a recent buzzword in the worldwide defense establishment, but it is particularly important for Taiwan. In different situations, the ROC Armed Forces must be able to transition seamlessly from one side of the asymmetric spectrum to the other- and take advantage of this flexibility. Whether it be in expeditionary operations overseas versus an entrenched urban enemy (similar to the War on Terror being fought today), or defending beachheads and towns as part of territorial integrity of Taiwan, the ROC Armed Forces must learn to respond to the situation at hand and adopt different forces postures that will be most advantageous to securing the national security of the Republic of China. |
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| Taiwan | 8th November 2009 - 01:07 AM Post #15 |
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The Original Asian Tiger
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Taiwan F-16 Fleet to Recieve Major Upgrade TAIPEI, R.O.C. The Ministry of Defense today announced a major deal whereby several of Taiwan's F-16 Fighting Falcons will recieve a major upgrade. Under the terms of the agreement, 146 of the ROCAF's F-16 A/B Block 20s will be upgraded to the "K" standard. Those 146 aircraft consist of all of Taiwan's F-16 A/Bs. The ROCAF just took possesion of 72 brand new F-16Ks this year, and a spokesman confirmed that "their superior performance thus far played a big factor in making the decision to update the rest of the fleet." After the 146 F-16A/Bs are upgraded, all of Taiwan's F-16s will be up to the K standard except F-16 C/Ds bought under the previous administration. The MoD confirmed that they were looking to upgrade those as well, after the current project- which is estimated to cost $2 billion USD over 2 years. Taiwan's latest acquisition makes the ROCAF the second largest operator of F-16s in the world next to the United States. And independent military analysts say that after the completion of upgrading its F-16 fleet to the K standard, as well as the indigenous F-CK-1 IDF upgrade and Advanced Defense Fighter coming into production next year, the ROCAF will be one of the strongest Air Forces in the world: consisting entirely of advanced 4.5 generation fighters and higher. |
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5:35 AM Nov 26
