US-Made AIM-120 Missiles Delivered to Taiwan

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 12, 2001

US-Made AIM-120 Missiles Delivered to Taiwan

Over the past months, Taiwan military authority has been receiving its long-expected US-made AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles. The missiles were shipped to Hualian Port in east Taiwan and have since been kept in Chiashan Base. Sources from Taiwan defense department claim that the missiles will "greatly enhance" the attacking power of Taiwan's air force.

It is reported that the work of receiving the AIM-120 missiles started from this July. The missiles were shipped to Hualian Port in east Taiwan and have since been kept in Chiashan Base, Taiwan's largest bunker for fighter planes in wartime.

As to how many missiles ordered by Taiwan from the United States have been delivered, it still remains unknown.

Some media pointed out that the missiles already delivered to Taiwan have two-faceted meanings: first, they will "enormously enhance" the striking capability of Taiwan's air force; second, they indicate that the United States has relaxed control on the export of missiles to Taiwan.

About AIM-120 AMRAAM

The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000.

AMRAAM is a supersonic, air launched, aerial intercept, guided missile employing active radar target tracking, proportional navigation guidance, and active Radio Frequency (RF) target detection. It employs active, semi-active, and inertial navigational methods of guidance to provide an autonomous launch and leave capability against single and multiple targets in all environments.

The AMRAAM is being procured for the Air Force, U.S. Navy and America's allies.

AMRAAM is compatible with the Air Force F-15, F-16 and developmental F-22; Navy F-14 D/D (R) and F/A-18 C/D; German F-4 and the British Sea Harrier aircraft.

AMRAAM is a follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. 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. Once the missile closes on a target, its active radar guides it to intercept.

By PD Online staff member Du Minghua

US Arms Sales to Taiwan Escalate Cross-Straits Tension: Experts

US Building Cross-Straits Barriers by Arms Sales

China Never Barters Away Principles: FM on US Arms Sale to Taiwan