WAR CHINA THREATENS TO INVADE TAIWAN

[OldArcher]

I would be for that except..... I'm afraid they'd EMP us.
That's the simplest way to wipe us out.

Ma'am, responses to EMP have been known for at least two generations. Blame the Democrats in Congress for that continuing form of treason...

Bright Blessings

OldArcher, NIW

 

[David Nettleton]

I wish Mr. Yoho's Republican Party would stand up for the freedom, Constitutional democracy loving people in his own country first.

 

[OldArcher]

Maybe the US should base troops on Taiwan as South Korea, this would act as a trip wire.

If China wants war, China will get war.

NW

My Dad was the Navigator on the USS Princeton, CVS-37, during the Chinese crisis involving Kimoy and Matsu. It was the first time nukes were forward depolyed to a potential combat zone, involving the Chinese. That was back in 1960, when Mao was feeling froggy. Princeton had its A-3 Skywarriors ready to launch on command... Mao backed down, and the shelling of Kimoy and Matsu, along with their intended invasion of Taiwan was put on indefinite hold. This prevented their sure extinction as a viable nation.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

I would be for that except..... I'm afraid they'd EMP us.
That's the simplest way to wipe us out.

Disagreeing slightly; I'd give the edge by a bit to releasing smallpox here.

 

[OldArcher]

The Taiwan government is not much better than the Chinese and because of this they are unwilling to militarily train their people to arms and allow them to be armed after their term of service I.E. send them home with a rifle and 100 rounds of ammo. It would take a few years but the whole country wold become a very large standing Army and the Chinese invading Taiwan would never happen as there would be to high price to pay to pull it off and more than likely lose the battle to Taiwans people.

I agree with your sentiment, but remember that the Taiwanese are roughly split between the Green and Blue parties. Fifth columnists, infiltrators from China, and other foreign actors have worked assiduously to undermine the pro-Western view of life. Having that many weapons not locked down, would be a bad idea- unless you could create a military body akin to our National Guard, or Reserves... The South Koreans have a strong back-up force ready to mobilize, as do the Israeli's.

Unless they get off the dime, they're hoping that we, the US and the members of SEATO, will come to their rescue.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

What kind of ability do the Chicoms have for launching a large scale amphibious invasion? Do they even need ships, or could they use helicopters at that distance?

China has thousands of surface ships that could be used for an invasion. However, tasking, loading, and deploying said ships, would instantly cause a justifiable defense. Leave port, and head for Taiwan? Sink and die.

As to an aerial invasion, China would be seriously degraded, if advanced warning were possible, and air superiority were not possible. The Taiwanese AF is quite capable of doing serious damage to the PLANAF, likewise the PLAN in the Straits... Add in American and SEATO forces, and it could surpass the Marianas Turkey Shoot.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

The Chinese Communists are pragmatic and with 1.4 BILLION population under their total control, they've taken total advantage of the last three presidents since Sep 19, 2000 when Clinton and the RINO's gave them their first great gift - normalizing trade relations with China!

Since then, the United States gooberment and the EU, has turned blind eyes towards all of the human abuses and economic crimes of the CCP.

The turncoats in control of our government opened the doors to our intellectual capital for the CCP's hand selected agents to infiltrate our research and intellectual capital in our best Universities. They've ignored the illegal flow of our newest advancements in engineering, agriculture, computer science, and medicine back into China.

The gooberment allowed these same agents to stay in this country after their graduation and to be employed in our critical advanced manufacturing where these agents have feloniously transferred critical and strategic information back to the Chinese to incorporate into their plans of world domination.

These same gooberment elites enabled the hemorrhaging of American manufacturing jobs and MORE IMPORTANTLY the capabilities to make critical materials, products and machinery.

The tip of this iceberg finally became visible during the COVID-19 crisis when Americans in mass finally woke to the fact that we can't even make the basics needed for medicines, PPE, and health equipment. This is just the tip of the critical processes and capabilities that the greed of politicians and corrupt financial elites enabled to move to what IMHO is our greatest enemy.

Again IMHO I think the Chinise's long game has included the outright purchase of many of our politicians, the growth of influence on or media, the use through economic policies to buy up critical assists of the country, and the movement of critical and strategic capabilities from this country to Chinese control.

Todays riots aren't the Triger for the Chinese, that's just some icing on their cake. The main reasons the CCP is making its push now is:

1. The demon-crats destruction and move towards communism principles
2. The demon-crats seditionists acts that have crippled our government and stirred the race pot to boiling point
3. The work done by their COVID-19 WMD in crippling our economy and putting it into the toilet
4. The miss use of our military assists under Bush II and Obama that burned through materials, money, manpower and will
5. The fear that we've awoken as a people and with the Chinese economic problems and the strong economic war of Trump, we will destroy them economically through closing our markets to them and moving all critical manufacturing back home

They've moved against Hong Kong and will absorb it and if they judge the USA weak enough will move on Taiwan. Like said earlier, their playing the long game and depending on the American tendency to be more focused on personal pleasures and becoming weaker each and every year, to allow them to reach their goals.

They are going to push every button, over reach all over the world and continue to undermine this country internally until we are no longer a threat and they are dominate in the world. When they judge it's time, they will act militarily even at the cost of 100 millions of their own people.

Correct- until most of them die. As a nation, that quickly approaches, and not without some justified trepidation. The world constantly turns, the seasons change, and while life continues, death threatens us all... The Chinese Communist "mind" does not think as normal, rational, people do... Communism is the most populous death cult.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

If China attacked Taiwan there are really only 2 approaches.

1. Make every effort to make it localized and make every effort to prevent US from intervening. Requires swift overpowering victory and nuanced flexible plan to keep US out.

2. All out attack including attempt to Pearl Harbor US military assets in the region would likely include EMP attack on US and would US go nuc over Taiwan and localized military losses.

There are risks with either version but the biggest risk is to go small and still lose, what are the chances even with successful attack if you suffer massive losses including one or both of your aircraft carriers and you weren’t even fighting the US. Better from Xi side to go big and that would likely mean Pearl Harbor attacks on the US using EMP or nuc’s or both.

I don’t think a strike against Taiwan has a large chance of not including US strikes. If China feels so weak to move their plan against US up 10 years its likely go time.

Of course using coordination with Soro’s organizations to distract US internally would be helpful to the Chinese.

Don't forget Guam, South Korea, all of SEATO, and maybe even Russia- if it looks like we're winning... They did that with Japan, at the very end of WW II...

Good analysis. Bravo Zulu.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

I think the only way to stop a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is for the US to go nuclear right from the get-go

Taking out their nuke sites, boomers, flat-tops, sealift capabilities, and most important, total decapitation of their commands... We don't need to kill the pesants- just the hardcore members of their CCP, and their first tier formations.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Correct- until most of them die. As a nation, that quickly approaches, and not without some justified trepidation. The world constantly turns, the seasons change, and while life continues, death threatens us all... The Chinese Communist "mind" does not think as normal, rational, people do... Communism is the most populous death cult.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

I've read that somewhere between 1% and (a maximum)10% of the population generally has to be killed during wartime in a country whose population is largely loyal and patriotic to make them say "Uncle". This rule of thumb worked to describe Germany in WWII and the Confederacy in the U.S., among others. The USSR was able to exceed that in fending off Operation Barbarossa, yes, but that is IMO a special case.

 

[OldArcher]

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be planned to be done in no more than three weeks max.

China will come in with millions of troops and over-run Taiwan.

America will be told to back-off or else.

China's veto on the UN would stop any action there.

It's overtime to enforce a RED line in the sand... China must not be allowed to expand at the expense of our allies and friends. They have long had the goal of world domination. With the way things are now, and projected, for China, any warfare will be of an extermination nature... Think of the world's largest swarms of locusts descending upon all the Earth, and you have China unchecked...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

The Demonic Duo...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

I've read that somewhere between 1% and (a maximum)10% of the population generally has to be killed during wartime in a country whose population is largely loyal and patriotic to make them say "Uncle". This rule of thumb worked to describe Germany in WWII and the Confederacy in the U.S., among others. The USSR was able to exceed that in fending off Operation Barbarossa, yes, but that is IMO a special case.

IF China attacks the US, or it's allies, it will die. Percentage of population lost, will grow, until residual radiation, land and water are reclaimed, and massive foreign aid is there to assist. The Chinese doing what we would think "unthinkable," is now de rigueur. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and don't allow the lie that is "survivor guilt," harvest your soul...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

Howdy, Folks!



Again, I found this to be a very good read.




Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if initially we were told to back off by the Taiwanese. If they were able to defeat Mainland China by what would appear to be themselves, they would garner far more respect from surrounding nations, as well as Mainland China itself (which in the future would be beneficial for them).

In fact, it would be to our benefit if America did "back off." We could be there to pick up the pieces, liberating the citizens of the former People's Republic of China from oppression and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity, with China as the 51st state of the USA (and Taiwan as the 52nd as they'll certainly want to join us after such a grueling, devastating war).

We are certainly living in interesting times...

Peace and Love,

Donald Shimoda

Nice sentiment. However, we can't handle our own Southern border, let alone help Puerto Rico... Modern nation like Taiwan? Spoon feed China? Sorry, I just don't see that, at all...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

Assuming our country continues on it's current path - would you really recommend to a relative to join the military?
Not me.
Divided we fell.

Where is our soldiers going to come from? Democrats?

Retreads filling in, where youth goes to the front lines- all while new recruits, and/or draftees, get trained, equiped, and made ready for war. This would also account for those in business, schools, and industry that were not mission critical. There are plans for men and women, depending upon experience and capability, on past 60... When you're looking at "war to the knife," EVERYONE is elegible for wartime service... No deferments, no 4F or "flat feet." Everybody fights...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[OldArcher]

I wish Mr. Yoho's Republican Party would stand up for the freedom, Constitutional democracy loving people in his own country first.

According to the Constitution, we're a Republic. Democracies have inherent weaknesses that are anathema to the Founder's intent...

Blessed Be,

OldArcher, NIW

 

[ssonb]

Not trying to go off into Bible woo land but MLC (main land china) being whooped by Taiwan may be the reason the Bible talks of the 200,000,000 man army that marches across land to invade the mid east........ Ya have more restrictions on the use of non conventional munitions when it will effect the locals. And I know fer shoe I cant tote that much ammo.

 

[OldArcher]

Not trying to go off into Bible woo land but MLC (main land china) being whooped by Taiwan may be the reason the Bible talks of the 200,000,000 man army that marches across land to invade the mid east........ Ya have more restrictions on the use of non conventional munitions when it will effect the locals. And I know fer shoe I cant tote that much ammo.

If you ascribe to the Bible, then your view will be so oriented.

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, Nordic Inspired Witch

 

[Mark D]

China threatens to invade Taiwan with fears of all-out War

(Laughs in 688i)

 

[AlfaMan]

Didn't know if it's been mentioned on here (just signed on) but China did two missile tests today. They launched a DF-26 (think souped up Pershing 2 type IRBM) and a DF-16 (think super duper SCUD-enough range to hit Japan and Taiwan.) WE also launched a Minuteman 3 today, the 3 RV's hit Kwaj with their usual spot on accuracy.

Here's an article from the South China Morning Post on the missile launches.

US, China carry out missile tests as tensions continue to simmer

Also-found a Chinese govt. military site that looks to have a TON of info on the ChiCom military. There's a version in Chinese and one in English (and the Chinese one looks more like propaganda aimed at the Chinese citizen, the English version looks to have enough spin in it to make a tornado look tame). I'm posting both sites' addresses; if you speak or can translate Chinese that site could prove to be VERY interesting.

English language site- China Military

Chinese language site- 中国军网 - 中国人民解放军官方军事新闻门户

 

[Housecarl]

Nice sentiment. However, we can't handle our own Southern border, let alone help Puerto Rico... Modern nation like Taiwan? Spoon feed China? Sorry, I just don't see that, at all...

Bright Blessings,

OldArcher, NIW

That is not a capability issue but a domestic political one....

 

[LittleYellowFlower]

Disagreeing slightly; I'd give the edge by a bit to releasing smallpox here.

If I had smallpox vax in late ‘70s to travel internationally would it still be affective against smallpox now?

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

If I had smallpox vax in late ‘70s to travel internationally would it still be affective against smallpox now?

Sadly, not very if at all. First, the commies in the late 80s were researching strains that the vax would not work on at all; the Soviets in particular had >1000 gallon fermenters of one of those called the "India" strain. Second, even if it was a strain that the vax did work on, you'd be lucky to have 5% residual immunity now. You know how often docs and nurses during smallpox epidemics used to get vaccinated for it? About every 5 days.

 

[danielboon]

.
Taiwan sends marines to reinforce South China Sea outpost
.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...0PADegQICBAW&usg=AOvVaw2M5xOyb_1zsNF-SOzu7viC

[/URL]

 

[LittleYellowFlower]

Sadly, not very if at all. First, the commies in the late 80s were researching strains that the vax would not work on at all; the Soviets in particular had >1000 gallon fermenters of one of those called the "India" strain. Second, even if it was a strain that the vax did work on, you'd be lucky to have 5% residual immunity now. You know how often docs and nurses during smallpox epidemics used to get vaccinated for it? About every 5 days.

Umm...ok. You have just blown my mind completely. Drs and nurses got vaccinated that frequently? Sheesh. It’s a good thing more vaccinated people didn’t get it!

 

[Melodi]

This smallpox issues came up a few years ago when another disease that looked like it might go pandemic (may have been bird flu in 2010 I don't recall) anyway I was the only one in the family that might still have some protection because my 1978 smallpox vaccination might still have some punch to it.

I had to have one (it had to be ordered by my doctor at that point) because my baby records had been lost and they couldn't find a scar and it was required for an international trip I was taking.

It is true that most people vaccinated as infants probably have limited or no immunity but when Nightwolf checked it is thought to have some limited immunity even 30 or so years later, though 40 years plus is probably stretching it.

No one is really sure, and as MS says it might not be actual smallpox that would be released in a biowarfare situation in fact it would probably be some form of "black" (modified) pox.

 

[MountainBiker]

Disagreeing slightly; I'd give the edge by a bit to releasing smallpox here.

I have no idea what it would specifically be, but I agree biowarfare is one of the more likely scenarios. That and electronic warfare against our grid, communication, and financial systems. Biowarfare would perhaps come after they have a vaccine deployed for the elite and party members in China.

 

[northern watch]

Scenario For An Invasion of Taiwan

This scenario is for a conventional invasion, no nukes

A decision is made by the Chinese Political leadership to invade Taiwan. Orders are sent to the Chinese Military to prepare to execute previously made plans.

Orders are also sent to North Korea to prepare to make trouble on the Korean Peninsula.

China announces naval military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the East China Sea. NOTAM's are issued.

The Chinese naval forces in the South China Sea and the East China Sea are blocking forces to prevent US and Allied forces from coming to aid Taiwan.

North Korea fires a long range missile and tension rises on the Korean Peninsula. This is designed to divert US attention to North Korea.

A cyber attack is launched against Taiwan with the aim of disabling communications and creating panic in the civil population.

Then with limited warning, China launches a massive prolonged missile attack on Taiwan. The targets are Taiwan's vital infrastructure -- ports and airfields.

Taipei, Taiwan's capital would be under continuous missile attack.

At the same time, the Chinese air force would fly over the Taiwan Strait and try to dominate the island's air space. Once the PLA has disabled Taiwan's air and naval forces, the next step while the missile attack and Chinese bomber attacks are still occurring is a airborne assault to secure a beachhead.

Chinese agents on Taiwan will attempt to isolate the beachhead by destroying bridges, roads leading to the beachhead.

Once the beachhead is secured and Chinese reinforcements are pouring in, the battle for Taiwan can begin.

 

[jward]

You are at :Home»News»Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy

The fast mine-laying ship is expected to be delivered at the end of the year. ROC Military News Agency photo.
Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy
A launching ceremony was held on August 4th at Taiwanese shipbuilder Lungteh Shipbuilding for the 1st Min Jiang-class mine laying ships. The new class is being built for the Republic of China (ROC) Navy.
Xavier Vavasseur 05 Aug 2020

The vessel received the pennant number FMLB-1 (likely for Fast Mine Laying Boat).

The keel laying ceremony for the first-in-class ship took place on May 24 last year (along with three catamaran corvettes) while construction on the second ship of the class in ongoing. The event also marked the “mast raising” event for the first vessel.

The first mine laying vessel is expected to be delivered this year, according to plans. Some media reports refer to the vessel as the “Min Jiang-class”, however Naval News’ Taiwanese sources explained that this name has yet to appear in official documents.

In his speech, ROC Navy Commander Liu Zhibin stated that the first ship of the fast mine-laying craft program is expected to be delivered at the end of the year, according to the schedule.

The fast mine-laying ship is expected to be delivered at the end of the year. ROC Military News Agency photo.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the four mine laying ships are expected to be completed in 2021, which will greatly enhance Taiwan’s offensive mine fighting capacity and effectively counter the threat of the communist army.

The fast mine-laying ships were designed based on enemy threats and combat requirements, combined with the current mine-laying operations plan, to strengthen the threat of enemy ships crossing, and create a favorable situation for joint defense operations.


ROC Naval Command

About Taiwan’s mine laying ship

Min Jiang-class mine laying ship design. ROC navy picture.

During the keel laying ceremony of the first-in-class ship, Taiwanese defense officials were quoted saying: “the mine layer ships were designed to face down an attack by amphibious vehicles trying to land in Taiwan, and would be equipped with a more precise automatic mine laying system”.

According to Lungteh Shipbuilding, the vessels have a length of 41 meters, a width of 8.8 meters, a draft of 1.7 meters and a full load displacement of 347 tons. The maximum speed is 14 knots.

In addition to the sea mines (carrying capacity is unknown) the vessel is fitted with a 20mm T75 gun mount (as main gun) and two T74 machine guns (manned 7.62×51 mounts).

The vessel comes with an automatic mine-laying system and propulsion equipment that allows it to lay mines rapidly and with high accuracy.

posted for fair use

Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy - Naval News

A launching ceremony was held on August 4th at Taiwanese shipbuilder Lungteh Shipbuilding for the 1st Min Jiang-class mine laying ships. The new class is being built for the Republic of China (ROC) Navy.

www.navalnews.com

 

[northern watch]

 

[ivantherussian03]

Typically wars make people forget domestic politics. In some cases leaders start wars to unit people.

 

[Housecarl]

You are at :Home»News»Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy

The fast mine-laying ship is expected to be delivered at the end of the year. ROC Military News Agency photo.
Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy
A launching ceremony was held on August 4th at Taiwanese shipbuilder Lungteh Shipbuilding for the 1st Min Jiang-class mine laying ships. The new class is being built for the Republic of China (ROC) Navy.
Xavier Vavasseur 05 Aug 2020

The vessel received the pennant number FMLB-1 (likely for Fast Mine Laying Boat).

The keel laying ceremony for the first-in-class ship took place on May 24 last year (along with three catamaran corvettes) while construction on the second ship of the class in ongoing. The event also marked the “mast raising” event for the first vessel.

The first mine laying vessel is expected to be delivered this year, according to plans. Some media reports refer to the vessel as the “Min Jiang-class”, however Naval News’ Taiwanese sources explained that this name has yet to appear in official documents.

In his speech, ROC Navy Commander Liu Zhibin stated that the first ship of the fast mine-laying craft program is expected to be delivered at the end of the year, according to the schedule.

The fast mine-laying ship is expected to be delivered at the end of the year. ROC Military News Agency photo.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the four mine laying ships are expected to be completed in 2021, which will greatly enhance Taiwan’s offensive mine fighting capacity and effectively counter the threat of the communist army.



About Taiwan’s mine laying ship

Min Jiang-class mine laying ship design. ROC navy picture.

During the keel laying ceremony of the first-in-class ship, Taiwanese defense officials were quoted saying: “the mine layer ships were designed to face down an attack by amphibious vehicles trying to land in Taiwan, and would be equipped with a more precise automatic mine laying system”.

According to Lungteh Shipbuilding, the vessels have a length of 41 meters, a width of 8.8 meters, a draft of 1.7 meters and a full load displacement of 347 tons. The maximum speed is 14 knots.

In addition to the sea mines (carrying capacity is unknown) the vessel is fitted with a 20mm T75 gun mount (as main gun) and two T74 machine guns (manned 7.62×51 mounts).

The vessel comes with an automatic mine-laying system and propulsion equipment that allows it to lay mines rapidly and with high accuracy.

posted for fair use

Taiwan Launches 1st Mine Laying Ship for ROC Navy - Naval News

A launching ceremony was held on August 4th at Taiwanese shipbuilder Lungteh Shipbuilding for the 1st Min Jiang-class mine laying ships. The new class is being built for the Republic of China (ROC) Navy.

www.navalnews.com

Does this scream "too little, too late" to anyone else?

 

[Housecarl]

Scenario For An Invasion of Taiwan

This scenario is for a conventional invasion, no nukes

A decision is made by the Chinese Political leadership to invade Taiwan. Orders are sent to the Chinese Military to prepare to execute previously made plans.

Orders are also sent to North Korea to prepare to make trouble on the Korean Peninsula.

China announces naval military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and the East China Sea. NOTAM's are issued.

The Chinese naval forces in the South China Sea and the East China Sea are blocking forces to prevent US and Allied forces from coming to aid Taiwan.

North Korea fires a long range missile and tension rises on the Korean Peninsula. This is designed to divert US attention to North Korea.

A cyber attack is launched against Taiwan with the aim of disabling communications and creating panic in the civil population.

Then with limited warning, China launches a massive prolonged missile attack on Taiwan. The targets are Taiwan's vital infrastructure -- ports and airfields.

Taipei, Taiwan's capital would be under continuous missile attack.

At the same time, the Chinese air force would fly over the Taiwan Strait and try to dominate the island's air space. Once the PLA has disabled Taiwan's air and naval forces, the next step while the missile attack and Chinese bomber attacks are still occurring is a airborne assault to secure a beachhead.

Chinese agents on Taiwan will attempt to isolate the beachhead by destroying bridges, roads leading to the beachhead.

Once the beachhead is secured and Chinese reinforcements are pouring in, the battle for Taiwan can begin.

And Beijing in such a scenario prays that POTUS doesn't go for a full up C4IR "destruction" campaign under the assumption that all of the other allied powers and the US are under a similar in kind threat. There's no way Beijing would pull this without striking Guam and everyone involved would assume that North Korean action was under CCP orders.

I'm not saying that the CCP wouldn't do it, only that it would be a gamble bigger than the Rhineland reoccupation.

 

[jed turtle]

Does this scream "too little, too late" to anyone else?

Yeah, I hear that screaming too.
although, if we keep those two carrier fleets over there in the vicinity of the South China Sea, the Chinese may decide that it is better to go full asymmetrical warfare - which is what they are already doing I suppose - but just take it to the next level, sabotage our infrastructure, but that might not be wise, considering that we might be the only ones that have enough food to keep them alive another year...

 

[SSTemplar]

To invade means putting people on the land. How is China going to cross that 100 miles. Airlines. Cruise Ships. Ferries. They don't have the navel force to do it and never will. All China could do is bomb the shit out of Taiwan so nobody can live there. Political posturing is all they have.

 

[northern watch]

 

[Housecarl]

To invade means putting people on the land. How is China going to cross that 100 miles. Airlines. Cruise Ships. Ferries. They don't have the navel force to do it and never will. All China could do is bomb the shit out of Taiwan so nobody can live there. Political posturing is all they have.

The beachhead and anchorage would be one heck of a bomb magnet.

 

[Housecarl]

Posted for fair use.....

Taiwanese F-16s Begin Flying Patrols With Live Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles To Deter China

The armed anti-ship patrols began amid concerns over expected Chinese island-grabbing exercises in the South China Sea.

www.thedrive.com

Taiwanese F-16s Begin Flying Patrols With Live Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles To Deter China
The armed anti-ship patrols began amid concerns over expected Chinese island-grabbing exercises in the South China Sea.
By Jamie Hunter
August 6, 2020

• The War Zone

Chiang Ying-Ying/AP
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Two Taiwanese F-16A Vipers have flown air patrol missions armed with live AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Taiwan’s Liberty Times said the missions were launched amid fears of imminent Chinese military exercises that are expected to be designed to simulate capture of the Taiwan-administered Dongsha Islands, in the northern area of the South China Sea.

The Taiwanese Air Force, also known as the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), launched two F-16s from the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) based at Hualien Air Force Base, both of which carried a pair of the anti-ship missiles. Aviation reporter Roy Choo, who goes by the Twitter handle of @RXRoy, posted the Viper photos and provided brief details of the mission. “The 5th TFW F-16s at Hualien are usually tasked with anti-shipping missions with the Harpoons while the F-16s from the 4th TFW at Chiayi Air Force Base are usually seen employing AGM-65 Maverick missiles for anti-surface roles,” Choo told The War Zone.



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The pairing of F-16 and AGM-84 Harpoon is a key element in Taiwan’s ability to defend important strategic waterways and territorial claims against a maritime opponent. The ROCAF operates a mix of older Harpoons plus the newer Block II AGM-84Ls. You can read more about Taiwan’s AGM-84s here and about the missile in general in this past War Zone piece.

Here are the photos of the F-16s carrying the missiles on patrol:

Ahead of a potential PLA island-seizing exercise, purportedly representative of the Pratas Islands, the ROCAF launched two 5th TFW F-16As on CAP this morning, both fitted out with air-launched AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Photos: LTN / Yu Tailang pic.twitter.com/iyfMWYXedJ
— Roy Choo (@RXRoy) August 6, 2020​

The Hualien unit is also tasked with reconnaissance patrols when Chinese vessels transit the Taiwan Strait. RF-16s assigned to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Group are equipped with the Phoenix Eye photo-reconnaissance pod, which is based on the AN/VDS-5 pod. The ROCAF is seeking to upgrade its F-16 reconnaissance capabilities through the procurement of UTC Aerospace Systems MS-110 long-range oblique photography pods.

Until recently, Taiwanese F-16s carrying live AGM-84s had been a very rare occurrence. Aside from live-fire drills, ROCAF Vipers have only been observed flying with live Harpoons when the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Liaoning transited the Taiwan Strait in 2016/2017. It is thought that the forthcoming Chinese exercises could include both PLAN aircraft carriers.

During road-runway flying training exercises in recent years, ROCAF F-16s have been seen armed with inert AGM-84 training rounds. On July 29, 2019, drills in the Taiwan Strait also included a pair of F-16s armed with live Harpoons simulating an attack on a high-value maritime target off Taiwan’s southeast coast. The Liberty Times said that two decommissioned ships were used as targets. Two F-16s simultaneously launched Harpoon missiles. This was reported as being the first time since 2001 that the ROCAF had live-fire tested aerial-launched AGM-84 Harpoon missiles.

This most recent instance of Taiwanese Vipers flying with live Harpoons can be seen as a clear sign of the determination of the island’s government to defend its territory. The U.S. Marine Corps recently flew similar missions with live Harpoons that also appeared to be a signal to Beijing, the details of which you can read in this previous report by The War Zone.

As far back as May, there have been reports that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was preparing for landing drills near Hainan Island in August to simulate the capture of Pratas Island, which is located in the Dongsha Islands group. Primary concerns hinge upon China’s strategic ambitions to seize territory in this strategically important location as this archipelago is located close to routes from Chinese naval bases on Hainan Island to the open Pacific.





In addition, Taiwan’s F-16A/B Block 20 aircraft are currently undergoing a long-awaited $5.3-billion upgrade. Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has partnered with Lockheed Martin’s for the work at its new facility in Taichung. Taiwan was the launch customer for the F-16V upgrade, known locally as the Phoenix Rising program. A total of 140 F-16A/Bs are being modernized locally under serial upgrades between 2018 and 2022, with initial deliveries being made to the 4th TFW at Chiayi. The upgraded aircraft feature the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a host of other improvements.

Taiwan has also purchased 66 additional Block 70 F-16s after protracted plans were finally approved by the Trump administration in August last year. The new F-16s will replace the Taiwanese Air Force’s F-5E/Fs currently stationed at Chihhang AFB in Taitung.

USMC/Sgt Akeel Austin
A live AGM-84D Harpoon being loaded onto an F/A-18.

Taiwan has stated that it also wants to procure land-based Harpoons to counter China’s growing naval might, the details of which you can read here. It is not clear which versions of AGM-84 Taiwan is looking to procure to boost it’s coastal defenses, however, reports suggest Taiwan may be looing to procure the Block II version of the missile, though this is not confirmed.

Taiwan has requested to buy Lockheed Martin F-35s, with no guarantee this will be sanctioned by Washington at any time soon. The stealth fighter would open up a whole new set of capabilities for the ROCAF. In the meantime, it’s the Harpoon-toting F-16s that form a key component of Taiwan’s ability to fend-off potential Chinese territorial advances.

If a war between the two countries were to break out, these weapons would be absolutely essential in providing Taiwan with any hope of slowing an all-out advance by the People's Liberation Army Navy. As such, the patrol of F-16s armed with live Harpoons isn't just a show of force, it will likely increasingly become an increasing necessity deterrent as tensions between Taipei and Beijing continue to increase.

Contact the author: jamie@thedrive.com

 

[northern watch]

To invade means putting people on the land. How is China going to cross that 100 miles. Airlines. Cruise Ships. Ferries. They don't have the navel force to do it and never will. All China could do is bomb the shit out of Taiwan so nobody can live there. Political posturing is all they have.

The Chinese will start from half way there, not the full mainland to island distance.

 

[northern watch]

Posted for fair use.....

Taiwanese F-16s Begin Flying Patrols With Live Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles To Deter China

The armed anti-ship patrols began amid concerns over expected Chinese island-grabbing exercises in the South China Sea.

www.thedrive.com

Taiwanese F-16s Begin Flying Patrols With Live Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles To Deter China
The armed anti-ship patrols began amid concerns over expected Chinese island-grabbing exercises in the South China Sea.
By Jamie Hunter
August 6, 2020

• The War Zone

Chiang Ying-Ying/AP
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Two Taiwanese F-16A Vipers have flown air patrol missions armed with live AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Taiwan’s Liberty Times said the missions were launched amid fears of imminent Chinese military exercises that are expected to be designed to simulate capture of the Taiwan-administered Dongsha Islands, in the northern area of the South China Sea.

The Taiwanese Air Force, also known as the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), launched two F-16s from the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) based at Hualien Air Force Base, both of which carried a pair of the anti-ship missiles. Aviation reporter Roy Choo, who goes by the Twitter handle of @RXRoy, posted the Viper photos and provided brief details of the mission. “The 5th TFW F-16s at Hualien are usually tasked with anti-shipping missions with the Harpoons while the F-16s from the 4th TFW at Chiayi Air Force Base are usually seen employing AGM-65 Maverick missiles for anti-surface roles,” Choo told The War Zone.



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The pairing of F-16 and AGM-84 Harpoon is a key element in Taiwan’s ability to defend important strategic waterways and territorial claims against a maritime opponent. The ROCAF operates a mix of older Harpoons plus the newer Block II AGM-84Ls. You can read more about Taiwan’s AGM-84s here and about the missile in general in this past War Zone piece.

Here are the photos of the F-16s carrying the missiles on patrol:


The Hualien unit is also tasked with reconnaissance patrols when Chinese vessels transit the Taiwan Strait. RF-16s assigned to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Group are equipped with the Phoenix Eye photo-reconnaissance pod, which is based on the AN/VDS-5 pod. The ROCAF is seeking to upgrade its F-16 reconnaissance capabilities through the procurement of UTC Aerospace Systems MS-110 long-range oblique photography pods.

Until recently, Taiwanese F-16s carrying live AGM-84s had been a very rare occurrence. Aside from live-fire drills, ROCAF Vipers have only been observed flying with live Harpoons when the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Liaoning transited the Taiwan Strait in 2016/2017. It is thought that the forthcoming Chinese exercises could include both PLAN aircraft carriers.

During road-runway flying training exercises in recent years, ROCAF F-16s have been seen armed with inert AGM-84 training rounds. On July 29, 2019, drills in the Taiwan Strait also included a pair of F-16s armed with live Harpoons simulating an attack on a high-value maritime target off Taiwan’s southeast coast. The Liberty Times said that two decommissioned ships were used as targets. Two F-16s simultaneously launched Harpoon missiles. This was reported as being the first time since 2001 that the ROCAF had live-fire tested aerial-launched AGM-84 Harpoon missiles.

This most recent instance of Taiwanese Vipers flying with live Harpoons can be seen as a clear sign of the determination of the island’s government to defend its territory. The U.S. Marine Corps recently flew similar missions with live Harpoons that also appeared to be a signal to Beijing, the details of which you can read in this previous report by The War Zone.

As far back as May, there have been reports that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was preparing for landing drills near Hainan Island in August to simulate the capture of Pratas Island, which is located in the Dongsha Islands group. Primary concerns hinge upon China’s strategic ambitions to seize territory in this strategically important location as this archipelago is located close to routes from Chinese naval bases on Hainan Island to the open Pacific.





In addition, Taiwan’s F-16A/B Block 20 aircraft are currently undergoing a long-awaited $5.3-billion upgrade. Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has partnered with Lockheed Martin’s for the work at its new facility in Taichung. Taiwan was the launch customer for the F-16V upgrade, known locally as the Phoenix Rising program. A total of 140 F-16A/Bs are being modernized locally under serial upgrades between 2018 and 2022, with initial deliveries being made to the 4th TFW at Chiayi. The upgraded aircraft feature the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a host of other improvements.

Taiwan has also purchased 66 additional Block 70 F-16s after protracted plans were finally approved by the Trump administration in August last year. The new F-16s will replace the Taiwanese Air Force’s F-5E/Fs currently stationed at Chihhang AFB in Taitung.

USMC/Sgt Akeel Austin
A live AGM-84D Harpoon being loaded onto an F/A-18.

Taiwan has stated that it also wants to procure land-based Harpoons to counter China’s growing naval might, the details of which you can read here. It is not clear which versions of AGM-84 Taiwan is looking to procure to boost it’s coastal defenses, however, reports suggest Taiwan may be looing to procure the Block II version of the missile, though this is not confirmed.

Taiwan has requested to buy Lockheed Martin F-35s, with no guarantee this will be sanctioned by Washington at any time soon. The stealth fighter would open up a whole new set of capabilities for the ROCAF. In the meantime, it’s the Harpoon-toting F-16s that form a key component of Taiwan’s ability to fend-off potential Chinese territorial advances.

If a war between the two countries were to break out, these weapons would be absolutely essential in providing Taiwan with any hope of slowing an all-out advance by the People's Liberation Army Navy. As such, the patrol of F-16s armed with live Harpoons isn't just a show of force, it will likely increasingly become an increasing necessity deterrent as tensions between Taipei and Beijing continue to increase.

Contact the author: jamie@thedrive.com

War may be a lot closer than what we think