BLUF

This article examines Taiwan’s upgrading of 139 older F-16s to the Block 70/72 Viper variant under the Peace Phoenix Rising program. This is critical if Taiwan is to bolster its defences against an increasingly aggressive China.

Summary

  1. Taiwan is preparing for an eventual Chinese invasion and/or blockade. 
  2. Taipei is investing significantly into upgrading its existing F-16s.
  3. Critics argue the $4.5 billion investment could be better spent.
  4. Drones and anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile defence systems may provide better value.
READ: Would Taiwan's F-16 Fighters Stop China in a War?

References