US Department of Defense approved a possible deal to continue the Taiwanese F-16 pilot training program at Luke AFB

US Department of Defense approved a possible deal to continue the Taiwanese F-16 pilot training program at Luke AFB.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States) for the continuation of a pilot training program and maintenance/logistics support for F-16 aircraft currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 15, 2019.

The request submitted by TECRO includes flight training; participation in approved training exercises; inert/dummy training munitions; supply and maintenance support; spares and repair parts; support equipment; program management; publications; documentation; personnel training and training equipment; fuel and fueling services; engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of program and logistical support necessary to sustain a long-term CONUS training program. The total estimated program cost is $500 million.

According to the DSCA, this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability of the recipient, which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region. These services and equipment will support the continuing pilot training program currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This program enables the recipient to develop mission ready and experienced pilots through CONUS training. The training provides a "capstone" course that takes experienced pilots and significantly improves their tactical proficiency. Training is a key component of combat effectiveness.

Images: ctaeropics.com