The first batch of AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) that the United States agreed in 2000 to sell to Taiwan is scheduled to be delivered in the near future, military sources said yesterday.
The U.S. government has recently agreed to allow the Taiwan order - some 200 AIM-120 missiles - to be delivered in a bid to beef up Taiwan's defensive capabilities in the face of heightening military threats from across the Taiwan Strait, the sources said.
If everything goes smoothly, the Republic of China Air Force is expected to receive the long-awaited U.S.-made AIM-120 missiles in one to two months as shipping transportation and related affairs have begun to be arranged, the sources said.
The AIM-120 missiles are expected to be installed on F-16 jet fighters - which are part of Taiwan Air Force's backbone - once they are delivered, and test firing is scheduled to begin early next year, the sources said.
Taiwan Air Force fighter pilots have been in the United States for training which includes practice in firing AIM-120 missiles.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a new generation air-to-air missile. A guided missile, it has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and active radio frequency target detection.
A follow-up to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series, the AMRAAM is compatible with the U.S. F-15, F-16 and developmental F-22, as well as the German F-4 and the British Sea Harrier aircraft.
The missile is faster, smaller and lighter, and has improved capabilities against low-altitude targets. It incorporates an active radar with an inertial reference unit and micro-computer system.
http://www.etaiwannews.com/World/2003/07/14/1058145352.htm