Taipei Times
Date: May 14, 2018
By: Liberty Times reporters Aaron Tu, Huang Wei-chu and Lo Tien-pi
The Ministry of National Defense sees the rapid build-up of the military’s operational capabilities as its top priority and would like to see efforts to create a self-sufficient defense industry receive more funding than the procurement of US arms, Minister of National Defense Yen De-fa said in an interview with Liberty Times’ (sister newspaper of the Taipei Times) staff reporters Aaron Tu, Huang Wei-chu and Lo Tien-pi
Minister of National Defense Yen De-fa gestures during an interview in Taipei on May 2.
Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei Times
Liberty Times (LT): Has the country officially requested the US to sell F-35 jets and M1 tanks?
Yen De-fa (嚴德發): The air force’s operational requirements dictate that the next generation of fighters must possess stealth characteristics, be short take-off capable and be able to fight beyond visual range. The F-35 is a fine fighter and we are seeking it.
To answer the question as to whether we have formally requested the F-35 from the US, although we have been holding dialogues with US officials, they have not reached a definitive conclusion. US officials are evaluating it, and they might have their own concerns over its high cost or other considerations.
However, I can confirm that negotiations are ongoing.
Our nation’s new strategic doctrine is strong defense and layered deterrence. Military history is clear in that land warfare continues to be the decisive form of combat. We need to re-establish our ability to deter on the ground. The combat power of tanks is crucial toward that end. [FULL STORY]
