SPLIT-SECOND:Outcomes in modern military conflicts are decided within seconds and the new systems would improve reaction times, the DPP’s Wang Ding-yu said
Taipei Times
Date: Jan 22, 2017
By: Luo Tien-pin and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writer
A deal to purchase an upgraded naval vessel communications system worth NT$2.15 billion (US$68.18
A graphic shows military units that use the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, a radio network used by the US armed forces and allies to support data communications needs.
Image in the public domain provided by Wikimedia Commons
million) has been finalized with the US government, a high-ranking Taiwanese military officer said yesterday.
The officer, who declined to be named, said the deal secured the purchase of upgraded Link-16 and Link-11 systems, which would connect the Republic of China (ROC) Navy directly to the command center for the US’ Pacific fleet.
The system will give the ROC Navy the ability to share coordinates and other information with the US Seventh Fleet during combat operations, the officer said, adding that the move ties the two navies closer together.
The systems are already in use by NATO members and the US’ other allies in the Pacific, the officer said, adding that information can be shared among all allies during combat operations should the need arise.
The US can direct all of its allies in the field to coordinate operations, the officer said.
The officer said some of the ROC Navy’s ships would use the Link-16 system, which will connect those ships to other vessels, land-based radar systems and other military installations. [FULL STORY]
