Andrzej Jeziorski/SINGAPORE
The Taiwanese Government is funding development of a "third generation fighter" to be based on the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) Ching Kuo Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF).
AIDC says development is proceeding with the aim of bringing the new aircraft into service by 2010, but the company declines to confirm reports that government funding totals $225 million for the anticipated seven-year development programme.
The manufacturer says the IDF variant will incorporate extended range, along with new avionics and weapons capability, but declines to elaborate further.
The company has also been studying a "downgraded" trainer version of the IDF, removing the cannon and belly missile recesses to make room for more fuel, and simplifying the avionics (Flight International, 24-30 November 1999).
Funding comes as Taiwanese president Chen Shui-Bian has publicly urged the development of a new fighter to counter an increasing threat from mainland China.
"The modernisation of the Chinese air force has improved their air capability remarkably. Its capability will peak after 2005, when its various types of fighters are mass produced and it acquires higher technology," Chen said during a speech at air force headquarters earlier this month.
According to Chen, Taiwan needs "-to embody more far-sighted measures in developing the next generation of fighters for the years up to 2020."
The development programme comes as a welcome boost to AIDC, which has suffered a slump in military production since the conclusion of the 130-unit IDF programme earlier this year.
China's air force is numerically huge, but largely outdated. It is, however, licence-producing Sukhoi Su-27P Flankers at Shenyang and has large orders for the Su-30MKK. China is also developing the Chengdu Aircraft (CAC) J-10 fighter, and is pursuing the CAC Super Seven/FC-1 light fighter jointly with Pakistan.
Source: Flight International
