US clears sale of F-16 IRST Infrared Search and Track systems to Taiwan Air Force.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on August 23 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this sale.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

Taiwanese F-16 Vipers (Picture source: Taiwan Military News Agency)

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. There is no Major Defense Equipment (MDE). The estimated total cost is $500 million. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, St. Louis, MO. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives.

As noted by The War Zone, the inclusion of Infrared Search and Track systems (IRSTs) would provide a significantly valuable additional capability to Taiwanese F-16 Viper aircraft. This enhanced capability would allow these aircraft to effectively detect and monitor airborne threats, particularly those with stealth capabilities, such as China's J-20 fighters. This development is occurring at a time when there are delays in the Taiwanese Air Force's procurement of new Block 70 F-16C/D aircraft. Nevertheless, these new sensor systems could also be integrated into the upgraded F-16V fleet.

The press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) does not specify the exact type of IRST system, but it does attribute Lockheed Martin as the "principal contractor." Notably, in 2019, Lockheed Martin showcased a model of a Block 70 F-16 during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in Taiwan. This model featured what appeared to be an externally-mounted IRST system on one of its chin stations.