Many of the same issues currently confronting the US Air Force also are at play with the Taiwanese as they seek to modernize their aging F-16 fleet, said Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Gary North. “We have a 24-year-old average fighter fleet, too,” North told reporters Tuesday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference outside of Washington, D.C. “The next issue is how long does [a] fleet maintain its relevance. Because ultimately, the fleet will have so many hours [that] it will have to be replaced.” North’s comments came as news surfaced that the United States is offering Taiwan an upgrade package for its F-16A/Bs. The Taiwanese had sought new F-16C/Ds. Retrofitting the F-16A/Bs with new gear will enhance these fighters’ lifespan, but the Taiwanese still will be dealing with airframes that are old, just like USAF, said North. “Speaking as an airman, every nation has the right to self defense and the right to modernize,” he said.
Hawaii F-22s Wrap Up Deployment to Japan
April 9, 2021
F-22s and Airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, forward deployed to Japan for almost one month to train with Japanese and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft as part of a “dynamic force employment” operation. The Raptors from the Active-duty 19th Fighter Squadron and Air National Guard 199th Fighter Squadron deployed…