Hu Kai-hung, head of Taiwanese defense contractor Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC), said Taiwan wants to develop its own next-generation fighter jets. transmits Reuters. Taipei said it sought cooperation with Washington in the creation of warplanes against the backdrop of increasing pressure from China.
“When it comes to the development of the next generation fighter aircraft, we hope that the United States will support Taiwan in its independent development, including the engine, avionics, control systems, environmental controls, etc., which is an opportunity for Taiwan-US cooperation.” Hu Kai-Hung explained.
As the AIDC chairman stated, domestically produced aircraft are the way Taiwan currently has to go. At the same time, Hu Kai-Hung did not specify at what stage the development of his own fighters is, although such plans were discussed in Taipei in 2017.
The issue of Taiwan’s status is one of the most painful for Beijing. Although most of the world’s states adhere to the “one China” policy, Taiwan or the Republic of China has been a de facto independent state since the war ended in 1949. Beijing views Taiwan as an integral part of the PRC and criticizes unauthorized contacts with Taipei.
It was previously reported that Taiwan intend to buy The US has 400 Harpoon missiles to counter possible Chinese attacks.