Taipei:F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets continue to play a vital role in modern warfare, despite the increasing prominence of drones. These jets, capable of conducting combat air patrols and posing a threat to conventional surface warships, remain essential, according to experts.
According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan received the first two of the 66 F-16C/D Block 70 jets it ordered from the United States in 2019. Although the entire order was due by the end of this year, supply chain disruptions have delayed the delivery.
Shu Hsiao-huang, an associate research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, noted that during wartime, Chinese forces might target Taiwan's airbase runways to prevent fighter jet takeoffs. While eastern Taiwan's airbases are less likely to be hit by ballistic missiles, they remain vulnerable to other weaponry.
Shu emphasized that China's potential deployment of aircraft carriers and large surface vessels could threaten Taiwan's shipping routes. This situation underscores the need for conventional fighter jets, as drones are less effective against such large targets due to their limited payload capacity.
Despite advancements in drone technology, fighter jets provide superior detection and tracking capabilities against airborne threats, Shu added. He cited the Russia-Ukraine war, where Ukraine used MiG-29 fighter jets to counter Russian forces, illustrating the ongoing relevance of manned aircraft.
Cathy Fang, a policy analyst at Taiwan's Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology, stated that drones are designed to complement, not replace, traditional fighter jets. They enhance Taiwan's defense by adding numerous, cost-effective, and replaceable sensors and shooters.
Shu highlighted a limitation of the F-16V Block 70 jets when facing China's fifth-generation stealth fighters. However, the Legion-ES IRST21 system, developed by Lockheed Martin, could help bridge this gap. This infrared search and track technology allows the detection of stealth jets without radar, supporting the targeting of advanced missiles.
Taiwan plans to purchase 55 Legion Pods for its F-16 fleet, with the U.S. Department of State approving the sale. The systems are expected to be fully delivered by June 2031, enhancing Taiwan's military capabilities.