The Taiwan Air Force (ROCAF) says it has yet to receive the JSOW glide bombs it purchased from the United States five years ago. The organization will have to use other weapons on its F-16s until the desired explosives arrive.
Despite the delay in deliveries, Taiwan is expected to complete the modernization of its fleet of F-2023A/B Fighting Falcon fighters in 16. The 140 jets undergo an upgrade process to the Block 70 standard, which includes an advanced EASA radar (active electronic scanning), helmet with display and scope and integration of new weapons, such as JSOW itself.
The AGM-154 JSOW (t Standoff Weapon) is an intelligent glide bomb developed by Raytheon for a t need of the US Navy and Air Force. Despite being a bomb, JSOW receives the callsign AGM, used to name air-to-ground missiles, such as the AGM-65 Maverick.
The weapon can glide for up to 130 km and is guided by GPS and inertial navigation, with the aid of an infrared imaging system in its AGM-154C version, the same one acquired by Taiwan. This variant also carries the BROACH two-stage penetration warhead, for destruction of reinforced targets such as bunkers and hangars.
JSOW has been acquired by 13 countries including Poland, Australia, Morocco, Turkey and Greece.
The sale of JSOW pumps to Taiwan was approved in 2017 by the US Department of State. Valued at US$185.5 million, the contract includes 56 real pumps, training pumps and services.
While it does not receive the precision bombs, Taiwan says it will continue to use other weapons in its modernized F-16s, such as the AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles e anti-ship AGM-84 Harpoon.
In addition to finalizing the modernization of its F-16s, ROCAF will also receive, in 2023, the first new F-16V Block 70 from the factory. Taiwan acquired 66 planes to bolster its fleet against China.
With information CNA
