Armée Taiwanaise / Republic of China Armed Forces(ROCAF)

Citation :

Taiwan becomes the 20th export customer of Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod

Taiwan’s Air Force recently selected Lockheed Martin’s Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for its F-16 aircraft, becoming the 20th international customer to choose Sniper ATP to fulfill precision attack requirements. In the initial contract, Lockheed Martin will provide two Sniper ATPs and integration support to Taiwan. Lockheed Martin will also provide integration support of LANTIRN targeting and navigation pods on Taiwan’s recently upgraded F-16s.


aiwan’s Air Force recently selected Lockheed Martin’s Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) for its F-16 aircraft, becoming the 20th international customer to choose Sniper ATP to fulfill precision attack requirements.
In the initial contract, Lockheed Martin will provide two Sniper ATPs and integration support to Taiwan. Lockheed Martin will also provide integration support of LANTIRN targeting and navigation pods on Taiwan’s recently upgraded F-16s.

“With Sniper ATP, pilots will have access to unmatched imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts, enabling greater overall mission success,” said Marc Nazon, Sniper ATP international program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Sniper ATP detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser designates small tactical targets at long ranges. It also supports employment of all laser and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets. Sniper ATP is interoperable across multiple platforms, including U.S. Air Force and multinational F-2, F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1 and B-52 aircraft.

Sniper ATP offers pilots high-resolution imagery for precision targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser designates small tactical targets at long ranges and supports employment of all laser- and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets.

Sniper is an electro-optical targeting system in a single, lightweight pod that is compatible with the latest precision-guided weapons for detecting, identifying and engaging multiple moving and fixed targets in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. In addition to fulfilling strike mission requirements, Sniper is changing the way armed forces operate in theater to meet the challenges of nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR).

http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/august/2004-taiwan-becomes-the-20th-export-customer-of-lockheed-martins-sniper-advanced-targeting-pod.html

Citation :

Taiwan conducts first Apache live-firings

Gavin Phipps, Taipei - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
27 August 2015


http://www.janes.com/article/53901/taiwan-conducts-first-apache-live-firings

Citation :

Washington se prépare à vendre des frégates à Taïwan


Reuters 15/12/2015

Le gouvernement américain devrait donner prochainement son feu vert à la vente à Taïwan de deux frégates dotées de systèmes antimissiles, en dépit de l'opposition de Pékin, a-t-on appris lundi de sources proches du Congrès. L'annonce pourrait intervenir "dès cette semaine", a indiqué une source républicaine. Elle est attendue "à tout moment désormais", a dit une autre source.

Les Etats-Unis n'ont plus vendu d'armes à Taïwan depuis quatre ans.

La Chine considère l'île nationaliste comme une province sécessionniste qu'elle s'estime en droit de reprendre, y compris par la force.



http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/960312/washington-se-prepare-a-vendre-des-fregates-a-taiwan.html

une pluie de contrats taiwanais ajdhui

DSCA a écrit:

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System (TATDLS) and Link-11 Integration

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System (TATDLS) and Link-11 Integration. The estimated value is $75 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

_______________________________________________________________

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Missiles and Related Equipment and Support

WASHINGTON, Dec 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Missiles, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $217 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

__________________________________________________________________________

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Javelin Missile

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Javelin Missiles estimated to cost $57 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

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Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for an estimated cost of $375 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

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Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Follow-On Support

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 -The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of follow-on life cycle support to maintain the Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-1) and Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) previously procured. The estimated value is $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

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Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates

Washington, Dec. 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for the sale, refurbishment, and upgrade of two (2) Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates (FFG-7) being provided as Excess Defense Articles (EDA) for an estimated cost of $190 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

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Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States – MK 15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2 CIWS Guns, Upgrade Kits, Ammunition, and Support

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for MK 15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2 Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) Guns, Upgrade Kits, Ammunition, and Support. The estimated cost is $416 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

_______________________________________________________________________

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - TOW 2B Aero Radio Frequency (RF) Missile (BGM-71F-Series), Support and Training

WASHINGTON, Dec, 16, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for TOW 2B Aero Radio Frequency (RF) Missile (BGM-71F-Series), support and training. The estimated cost is $268 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

http://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales

Citation :

Vente d'armes à Taïwan : la Chine convoque le chargé d'affaires américain à Pékin (gouvernement)


AFP 17/12/2015

La Chine a indiqué jeudi avoir convoqué le chargé d'affaires de l'ambassade américaine à Pékin pour protester contre la vente à Taïwan de 1,8 milliard de dollars d'armes par les Etats-Unis, notifiée par Washington au Congrès.

Un vice-ministre chinois des Affaires étrangères a exprimé "les protestations solennelles" de Pékin et affirmé que la Chine "prendrait les mesures nécessaires pour protéger ses intérêts nationaux, y compris des sanctions contre les groupes impliqués dans la vente d'armes", selon un communiqué du ministère.

Le vice-ministre chinois Zhang Zeguang a réitéré à Mme Kaye Lee, la diplomate américaine en charge en l'absence de l'ambassadeur, la position traditionnelle de Pékin selon laquelle "Taïwan est une partie inaliénable du territoire chinois".

La colère de Pékin a été déclenchée par la notification mercredi au Congrès de la volonté de Washington de réaliser un important contrat de ventes d'armes à Taïwan --le premier depuis quatre ans-- comprenant notamment deux frégates de type Perry.
Ces ventes interviennent à un moment d'importantes tensions en mer de Chine, sur laquelle Pékin revendique une souveraineté quasi totale, à l'origine de frictions avec ses voisins, y compris Taïwan.

Les ventes d'armes à l'île nationaliste "attentent gravement" aux lois internationales, aux principes régissant les relations entre la Chine et les Etats-Unis et "à la souveraineté de la Chine et à ses intérêts en matière de sécurité", ajoute encore le communiqué.
Le vice-ministre chinois a également prié Washington de renoncer à la vente de ces armements et à cesser tout contact militaire avec Taïwan.

La Chine communiste considère l'île nationaliste comme une province rebelle et n'a pas renoncé à l'usage de la force pour la reconquérir.
Les nationalistes chinois s'étaient réfugiés à Taïwan en 1949 après leur défaite devant les troupes communistes de Mao Tsé-toung.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/960713/vente-darmes-a-taiwan-la-chine-convoque-le-charge-daffaires-americain-a-pekin-gouvernement.html

Citation :

Les États-Unis envisagent de céder des avions AV-8B Harrier à Taïwan


Posté dans Asie-Pacifique, Forces aériennes par Laurent Lagneau Le 20-01-2016



Le 7 novembre dernier, pour la première fois la rencontre entre Tchang Kaï-chek et Mao Zedong en août 1945, un président taïwanais, en l’occurrence Ma Ying-jeou, a échangé une poignée de main « historique » avec Xi Xiping, son homologue de la République populaire de Chine.

Seulement, les élections qui viennent d’avoir lieu à Taïwan risquent de remettre en cause la politique de normalisation avec Pékin lancée par Ma Ying-jeou. En effet, pour la première fois de son histoire, l’ex-Formose sera présidée par une femme, Tsai Ing-wen, élue confortablement sous les couleurs du Parti démocratique progressiste (PDP), pour lequel il n’est absolument pas question d’un quelconque rapprochement avec la Chine communiste.

Ce triomphe électoral de Tsai Ing-wen, qui la particularité de n’être issue d’aucune « dynastie » politicienne, s’explique en partie par le fait que de nombreux Taïwanais estiment que la politique de rapprochement avec la Chine continentale, via une série d’accords commerciaux, a rendu Taïwan économiquement trop dépendante à l’égard de Pékin, ce qui, selon eux, menace la souveraineté et l’identité de leur pays.

D’ailleurs, au soir de son élection, Tsai Ing-wen en a appelé au respect du « système démocratique, de l’identité nationale et de l’intégrité territorial » de Taïwan, considérée par Pékin comme faisant partie de son territoire (politique d’une « seule chine »). Aussi, du côté du gouvernement de la RPC, l’on a fait part de « préoccupations » et estimé que le « retour au pouvoir du PDP pose de sérieux défis pour les relations entre les deux rives du détroit » de Formose.

Cela étant, même si, ces dernières années, Taipeh a entrepris un rapprochement avec Pékin, les forces armées taïwanaises n’ont pour autant jamais baissé la garde. « Taïwan ne s’engagera pas dans une course aux armements avec la Chine, mais se concentrera plutôt sur une utilisation optimale de son budget de la défense, qui est limité », avait ainsi affirmé, en avril 2013, le président Ma Ying-jeou, à l’issue de manoeuvres ayant simulé… une débarquement de l’armée populaire de libération (APL).

Dans le même temps, les forces armées taïwanaises ont subi une réforme visant à aboutir à leur professionnalisation, avec à la clé, un réduction de leurs effectifs à hauteur de 20%. Sur le plan des capacités, l’accent a notamment été mis sur les forces navales (lancement d’un programme de sous-marins, corvettes furtive de la classe Tuo Chiang, missiles anti-navires) et aériennes.

Si la priorité a été donnée à des solutions locales pour moderniser son appareil de défense (étant donné que les exportateurs d’armes veulent éviter de froisser la Chine), Taïwan dépend beaucoup de l’industrie américaine de l’armement.

Encore récemment, Washington a approuvé une possible vente de deux anciennes frégates de classe Oliver Hazard Perry, de véhicules blindés amphibies, de missiles sol-air MANPADS Stinger, de missiles Javelin, et de systèmes MK 15 Phalanx Block 1B. Le tout pour 1,83 milliard de dollars.

Cependant, les matériels livrés à Taïwan par les États-Unis ne sont pas souvent les plus modernes… Car l’administration Obama cherche à ménager la chèvre et le chou, c’est à dire à donner à Taipeh les moyens de se défendre sans trop énerver Pékin. C’est pourquoi Washington a toujours refusé de livrer de nouveaux F-16 à la ROCAF (Republic of China Air Force)

Mais cette dernière ne souhaite pas seulement disposer de nouveaux F-16… Dans les années 2000, elle a fait part de son intérêt pour la version B (ou STOVL pour Short Take Off Vertical Landing) du F-35 de Lockheed-Martin, alors en cours de développement. Le besoin d’un appareil de ce type pour la ROCAF est avéré dans la mesure où, en cas d’attaque chinoise, il est attendu que les pistes d’aviation soient visées – et détruites – en premier. Dans ce scénario, des avions pouvant opérer depuis des terrains sommaires est indispensable.

Faute de grives on mange des merles?

Mais si Washington refuse de vendre des F-16 à Taipeh, il en sera de même pour les F-35B. D’où l’idée par le Pentagone – et évoquée par Defense News – de céder à la ROCAF des avions à décollage et atterrissage verticaux de type AV-8B Harrier, utilisés actuellement par l’US Marine Corps (USMC).

Ces appareils seraient fournis dans le cadre du programme américain EDA (Excess Defense Articles, c’est à dire les surplus) à mesure de leur remplacement par des F-35B au sein de l’USMC et après avoir été rénovés afin de leur donner du potentiel supplémentaire.

Bien évidemment, si elle paraît séduisante, cette solution est loin de satisfaire Taïwan, pour qui ces AV-8B Harrier II ne répondent que partiellement à ses besoins. Les performances de cet appareils sont en effet bien en-deçà de celles – attendues – du F-35B.

« Nous voulons un avion de combat moderne, supersonique, STOVL, furtif, avec des capacités « beyond-visual-range » (vision au-delà de l’horizon). Si l’AV-8 a été vu comme un option dans le passé, ce type d’appareil est maintenant dépassé et ses performances ainsi que ses capacités ne correspondent aux exigences opérationnelles futures », a commenté un porte-parole du ministère taïwanais de la Défense.

En outre, leur modernisation risque de poser problème : des industriels américains qui lorgnent sur le marché chinois de l’aviation civile, comme par exemple Boeing, qui a repris les activités de McDonnell Douglas, l’industriel à l’origine du Harrier II avec, à l’époque, British Aerospace. Et puis c’est sans compter sur le coût du maintien en condition de ces appareils (MCO) de ces Harrier II…. Les pièces détachées se font rares : l’USMC s’est ainsi approvisionné au Royaume-Uni, qui retiré les siens du service.

http://www.opex360.com/2016/01/20/les-etats-unis-envisagent-de-ceder-des-avions-av-8b-harrier-taiwan/

Citation :

Taiwan's F-16A/B upgrade programme on schedule for 2017 start

Gavin Phipps, Taipei - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

17 May 2016


Taiwan is seeking to upgrade its entire fleet of 144 F-16A/Bs by 2022. Source: PA



Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has said the upgrade programme for the Republic of China Air Force's (RoCAF's) fleet of F-16A/Bs will begin on schedule in early 2017.

The company said on 7 May it is currently building a hangar large enough to ensure that 24 aircraft per year can be updated.

Taiwan is seeking to upgrade its entire fleet of 144 F-16A/Bs by 2022. While most of the aircraft will be upgraded at AIDC's facility in Taichung, central Taiwan, some of the fighters will be shipped to the US for Lockheed Martin to carry out the upgrade.

When completed, the upgrade programme will see all of Taiwan's F-16A/Bs fitted with Northrop Grumman's APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar, a 6x8-inch centre pedestal display, and an upgraded mission computer.

While Taiwanese defence officials remain optimistic that the upgrade programme can be completed by the 2022 deadline, there are still questions over its funding.

For instance, the second phase of the upgrade still requires funding, as US-Taiwan Business Council president Rupert Hammond-Chambers told IHS Jane's .

"If you review the original congressional notification, the programme is valued at USD5.3 billion, but the [Taiwanese government] baulked at funding the whole thing upfront, so there's still a second phase of funding required."

There is also concern in Washington that the upgrade programme will put considerable strain on the RoCAF and that it may leave Taiwan at a considerable cross-strait disadvantage in terms of air power.

By Hammond-Chambers' calculations - based on a 75% operational rate as well as maintenance and/or other life cycle support - the RoCAF will have some 79 F-16A/Bs operational at any given time for the duration of the upgrade.

He also warned that these airframes will be worked harder because there are fewer to use and that over the longer term this will shorten the lifespan of each aircraft irrespective of the upgrade.

Citation :

Taiwan Weighs Vendor Options for New Fighter-Trainer Plane
Wendell Minnick, Defense News 7:43 p.m. EDT June 16, 2016


TAIPEI - Taiwan’s defense minister intends to continue newly elected President Tsai Ing-wen’s pledge to develop indigenous weapon systems and wean Taiwan off its dependency on US-made arms.

Newly appointed minister Feng Shih-kuan and other ministry officials emphasized that policy once again during the minister's Dragon Boat Festival banquet on June 13.

Of particular interest to Feng is the local production of a new fighter-trainer to replace the aging AT-3 Tzu Chung attack/trainer, produced by the state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in the 1980s. Feng served as AIDC chairman from 2006-2008, and his expertise in industrial defense manufacturing was a key factor in his appointment as the new defense minister.

The replacement for the AT-3 has been dubbed the XAT-5 advanced jet trainer, nicknamed the "Blue Magpie." The air force has a requirement for 66 aircraft for two training bases: one in Taitung to replace the aging F-5E/F Tigers and the other in Kangshan to replace the AT-3s. The XAT-5 is a derivative of the AIDC-produced Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) built during the 1990s.

According to an internal defense industry briefing, produced by AIDC consultants and obtained by Defense News, the budget for the XAT-5 is $2.3 billion, minus research and development roughly estimated at $300 million. The first prototype is scheduled for 2019 with a final operational clearance (FOC) in 2024. “That is earlier than the US Air Force’s TX program, which has an IOC [Initial Operation Clearance] of 2024 and an FOC of 2034,” the briefing states.

US defense-industry teams, including Boeing/Saab and Raytheon/Alenia, still have an opportunity to participate in the bidding for the XAT-5 program if they can meet the requirements. The Raytheon/Alenia T-100/M-346 attack trainer program’s performance and schedule does meet Taiwan’s requirements, but “costs are an uncertainty,” the briefing states. The Boeing/Northrop design is still classified, but if the vendors can “finish all document preparation by the end of 2016,” then they should send a team to Taipei no later than August to meet with air force officials, legislators and AIDC officials, the document adds.

At present, the XAT-5 program is broken down into indigenous and external participation. The goal is to have the entire airframe made domestically, 50/50 percent foreign and indigenous participation on the engine, and 20-30 percent domestically sourced work on equipment such as avionics and radars, according to the briefing. That means that US companies have a “great opportunity” to participate in the program.

There are some critics of the government's approach. A former Taiwan Air Force flag officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, contended the XAT-5 program has flaws because it is based on the Indigenous Defense Fighter's 1990s technology, it lacks a radar or afterburner, and AIDC's engine-production capability is not entirely assured.



http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2016/06/16/taiwan-weighs-vendor-options-new-fighter-trainer-plane/85982948/

Citation :

Taiwan Moves on $14.7B Indigenous Shipbuilding, Upgrade Projects
Wendell Minnick, Defense News 12:56 p.m. EDT June 23, 2016


TAIPEI — The Taiwanese Navy announced 12 new shipbuilding and force modernization programs covering a 23-year period at roughly $14.7 billion on Monday. This indigenous build effort is part of an overall plan to wean Taiwan off expensive and politically troublesome US defense acquisitions — which often consist of refurbished older platforms — and develop a robust defense industry on the island.

The projected timeline runs from 2017 to 2040, and programs include a Taiwan Aegis destroyer and frigate, submarine, high-speed minelayer, landing platform dock (LPD), 11 additional stealthy Tuo Jiang-class missile corvette catamarans, and multi-purpose transport. Other programs include more AAV7s, a type of assault amphibious vehicle, for the Taiwanese Marine Corps, underwater swimmer delivery vehicles for special forces, and assorted weapons for special forces.

Despite the impressive list that includes a wide variety of vessels and systems, orchestrated by the Navy’s Naval Shipbuilding Development Center, the list is considered by some Taiwan defense analysts to be a “Christmas wish list.” As of now, only three of the programs have been officially authorized and funded for construction.

“The Navy has a vision, but no common sense,” said Ching Chang, a research fellow of the Taipei-based Society for Strategic Studies and former Taiwanese naval officer. “It is like a child in a candy store that wants everything.” Taiwan cannot afford to buy all this candy, he said — maybe two or three of the big items, nothing more.

“On Aegis, due to complexity, there are unanswered question on the percentage of imported technology versus domestic sources," Chang said. “The Navy’s vision is at this time just that, a vision. Nothing more."

However, another Taiwanese defense analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that if the vision is substantially implemented it could offer enormous opportunities for international firms to supply sensors, weapon systems, critical components, advanced manufacturing technology and tooling, as well as technical assistance in design, engineering and program management services. Opportunities will be highlighted during the upcoming inaugural Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defence Expo from Aug. 25-28 in the southern port city of Kaohsiung.




http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/ships/2016/06/23/taiwan-navy-destroyer-frigate-sub/86281948/

Citation :

Taïwan tire accidentellement un missile antinavire vers la Chine


Taipei, 1 juil 2016 (AFP) -

Un bâtiment de guerre taïwanais a lancé par erreur vendredi un missile supersonique "tueur de porte-avions" en direction de la Chine, a annoncé la marine taïwanaise au moment où les relations entre l'île et Pékin se détériorent.

Le missile Hsiung-feng III, développé à Taïwan, d'une portée de 300 kilomètres, a volé sur à peu près 75 kilomètres avant de plonger dans la mer au large de Penghu, archipel contrôlé par Taïwan dans le détroit de Formose.

La marine n'était pas en mesure d'expliquer comment ce missile avait pu être tiré, laissant entendre cependant qu'il pourrait s'agir d'une erreur humaine.

"Notre enquête initiale a déterminé que cette opération n'a pas été menée conformément à la procédure normale", a déclaré à la presse le vice-amiral Mei Chia-shu.

Une enquête a été ouverte.

L'engin a été tiré aux alentours de 08H10 (00H10 GMT) pendant un exercice à partir d'un bâtiment de 500 tonnes amarré dans une base navale à Tsoying, une ville du sud de Taïwan, et s'est dirigé vers la Chine.

Des hélicoptères et des bâtiments de la marine ont été déployés pour rechercher l'engin, a ajouté le vice-amiral.

L'incident a été signalé par la marine à la Conférence de sécurité nationale, le principal organe chargé de la sécurité. Mais le Conseil taïwanais des affaires continentale, l'organisme chargé de la politique chinoise, s'est refusé à préciser s'il avait été signalé à Pékin.

Les relations entre Pékin et Taiwan, que la Chine considère comme faisant partie de son territoire, se sont considérablement refroidies depuis la victoire écrasante à la présidence taïwanaise de Tsai Ing-Wen, élue en janvier et investie en mai.

La Chine vient d'annoncer que les communications avec Taïwan étaient suspendues, le nouveau gouvernement de l'île n'ayant pas reconnu le concept d'"une seule Chine", compromis de 1992 qui réserve à chaque partie le droit de l'interpréter comme elle l'entend.

L'ancienne Formose suit sa propre destinée depuis 1949, quand les nationalistes du Kuomintang s'y étaient réfugiés après avoir été vaincus par les communistes de Mao Tsé-toung.

Mme Tsai est issue du Parti démocratique progressiste (PDP), mouvement aux positions traditionnellement indépendantistes.

"Cet événement souligne l'importance de la communication entre les deux parties (...) afin de réduire l'éventualité d'une erreur de jugement", a commenté le professeur Alexander Huang de l'Université Tamkang. "Devons nous attendre que quelque chose de gros se produise?"

Selon le ministère de la Défense, environ 1.500 missiles chinois sont pointés sur Taïwan.

En 1995 et 1996, les militaires chinois avaient tiré des missiles balistique dans les eaux au large de Taïwan afin de tenter d'intimider les électeurs à la veille de la première présidentielle démocratique.

http://www.marine-oceans.com/actualites-afp/13112-taiwan-tire-accidentellement-un-missile-antinavire-vers-la-chine

Citation :

Taiwanese navy accidentally fires supersonic missile, killing one fisherman

Gavin Phipps, Taipei - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
01 July 2016



A Republic of China Navy (RoCN) Ching Chiang-class patrol ship mistakenly launched a Hsiung Feng III supersonic missile on 1 July, killing the captain of a fishing boat and injuring three crew members. The captain was from Taiwan, and the injured crew members were from the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, Chen Chu, the mayor of Taiwan's southern city Kaohsiung wrote on social media.

The Hsiung Feng III ripped through the fishing boat, which was registered in Kaohsiung, but did not immediately explode or destroy the vessel, said a RoCN spokesperson. The anti-ship missile landed in waters some 40 n miles northwest of southern Taiwan's Zuoying Navy Base and did not cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the spokesperson added.

The RoCN said the accidental firing from the 500-tonne ship docked at the naval base was likely due to human error.

Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mei Chia-shu said the incident occurred as the vessel was participating in a simulated exercise and that the operator failed to follow the standard launch procedure.

According to Mei, the patrol ship was simulating an attack on a target in the Taiwan Strait, in an area southeast of the Penghu Islands, which are located some 135 km northwest of Kaohsiung. An investigation into the incident is under way.

The vice admiral said the RoCN did not contact China as it has no direct communication links to the Chinese navy. Instead the information about the accidental launch was passed on to Taiwan's National Security Council and other government agencies.

The supersonic Hsiung Feng III was developed in Taiwan and is of a similar configuration to ramjet-powered missiles such as the 3M80 Moskit (Kh-41), 3M9, Kh-31 (YJ-91), and YJ-12. The missile is thought to be 6,100 mm in length, 460 mm in diameter, and weighs approximately 1,500 kg.




http://www.janes.com/article/61940/taiwanese-navy-accidentally-fires-supersonic-missile-killing-one-fisherman

Citation :

Norway and Taiwan join AIM-9X Block II user-community

Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Missiles & Rockets
04 July 2016


Norway and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are to become the latest nations to upgrade their Raytheon Sidewinder air-to-air missile (AAM) stocks to the latest AIM-9X Block II standard, a US Department of Defense (DoD) contract notification has revealed.

The USD291.75 million contract, awarded to Raytheon on 1 July, covers the initial AIM-9X Block II missiles for Norway and Taiwan, as well as follow-on missiles, training, and support solutions for the US government and other Foreign Military Sales customers.

In all, some 660 Lot 16 missiles are being contracted for the US Air Force (USAF), US Navy (USN), US Army, Japan, Norway, and the Republic of China; as well as training missiles and/or other spare parts for these operators, plus Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Republic of (South) Korea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, and Turkey. These countries represent the full set of current AIM-9X Block II customers.

Work is expected to be completed in March 2019.

EDA 2016 : 2 des plus récents OHP vont être transféré à la marine Taiwanaise ... ex-USS GARY (FFG51) et ex-USS TAYLOR (FFG50)
Rappelant que le Taiwan recevera aussi l'ex USS CARR (FFG52) et l'Ex-USS ELROD (FFG55) et ce afin de remplacer les 4 vieux KNOX.

Citation :

China, Taiwan likely to increase South China Sea deployments after dismissing international court ruling

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Navy International
13 July 2016



Key Points
Beijing and Taipei are likely to maintain or increase deployments in the South China Sea in wake of ruling by international court of arbitration
Possible increase in military activities is likely to complicate and heighten tensions further in the disputed region
Operations conducted by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in disputed areas of the South China Sea are notn't likely to be affected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, as Beijing has dismissed the tribunal as "a political farce that is illegal" and vows to carry on with its activities in the region.

The tribunal was initiated by the Philippines in June 2013 to determine the legal basis of maritime rights asserted by Beijing in the South China Sea, the status of a number of geographic features in the maritime region, and the lawfulness of activities undertaken by Beijing in the area.

Citation :

VSE Awarded $74M Delivery Order to Support Taiwan’s Maritime Defense Efforts
(Source: VSE Corporation; issued July 21, 2016)
ALEXANDRIA, Va. --- VSE Corporation (VSEC) has been awarded a cost-plus award fee delivery order under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Naval Ship Transfer and Repair (N*STAR) contract through the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) International Fleet Support Program. The delivery order has a 16-month period of performance and a potential value of up to $74 million.

Under this delivery order, VSE will manage the industrial work, logistics and crew training required to reactivate ex-USS Taylor (FFG 50) and ex-USS Gary (FFG 51) for the Taiwan Navy. The industrial work is being performed in Charleston, SC.

Each ship will receive a Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) during which all hull, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as selected combat systems will be reactivated and fully tested to ensure the ships are returned to full operating capability.

The Taiwan crews will receive training on maintenance and operation of the FFG systems which will include training in the classroom, on-the-job training, and underway operational exercises.

"VSE and our entire N*STAR Team remain committed to providing superior engineering, logistics and training services to our foreign navy allies under our NAVSEA FMS contract,” said JR Brown, Federal Services Group President. “These delivery orders allow us to provide vital support to foreign navies to achieve their maritime mission requirements.”

“Since 1995 VSE has transferred more than 48 ships to foreign governments, including the transfer of twelve ex-U.S. Navy ships to Taiwan,” said Maurice “Mo” Gauthier, VSE CEO, President and COO. “Our N*STAR Team is comprised of the maritime industry’s best firms at providing affordable sustainment of allied fleet assets and modernizing those assets to provide mission relevance across a broad spectrum of operational needs.”

Established in 1959, VSE is a diversified logistics and services company with experience in solving issues of global significance with integrity, agility, and value. VSE is dedicated to making our federal and commercial clients successful by delivering innovative solutions for vehicle, ship, and aircraft sustainment, supply chain management, platform modernization, mission enhancement, program management, energy, IT, and consulting services.

Citation :

Taiwan navy unveils new LPD and FACM designs
Mrityunjoy Mazumdar, Alameda, California - IHS Jane's Navy International
28 July 2016
Key Points
Taiwan unveils models, CGIs of planned future platforms
Central is the emergence of a design for an LPD
The Republic of China Navy (RoCN) has unveiled models and computer generated imagery (CGI) showing several planned future ships, including a large landing platform dock (LPD) vessel, a next iteration of the Tuo Jiang missile-capable fast attack craft (FACM), and a small fast minelayer.

The concepts were revealed at the opening of a new naval museum in Kaoshiung in May 2016 and, more recently, in June the same year, at a naval shipbuilding investment seminar organised by the Taiwan Shipbuilding Industry Association in Kaoshiung during which the RoCN revealed its planned new programmes covering 12 shipbuilding projects over the next 20 years at a cost of around USD14.7 billion.

Citation :

Taiwan Establishes Submarine Development Center
Wendell Minnick, Defense News 12:31 p.m. EDT August 3, 2016

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan-based China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSBC) established a submarine development center on Monday to support the construction of six to eight diesel electric submarines under the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program.

The Taiwanese Navy has a requirement to replace two inoperable World War II-era Guppy-class attack submarines as well as the life extension program for its two Dutch-built Sea Dragon-class (Zwaardvis Mk 2) submarines built during the early 1980s.

The new Submarine Development Center of CSBC (SDCC) will produce a design for the IDS under a budget of $95 million by the end of this year.




http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/submarines/2016/08/03/taiwan-submarine-navy-modernization-csbc/88001218/