Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Pilot Training Program

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Media/Public Contact
Charles Taylor (703) 601-3859 / Paul Ebner (703) 601-3670
Transmittal No
11-19

Defense Security Cooperation Agency
WASHINGTON, September 21, 2011 -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of a pilot training program and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $500 million.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States has requested a possible sale for the continuation of a pilot training program and logistics support for F-16 aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona to include flight training, supply and maintenance support, spare and repair parts, support equipment, program management, publications, documentation, personnel training and training equipment, fuel and fueling services, and other related program requirements necessary to sustain a long-term CONUS training program. The estimated cost is $500 million.

This sale is consistent with United States policy and Public Law 96-8.

The recipient is one of the major powers in Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is in the U.S. national interest to assist the recipient in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The recipient and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) will have the opportunity to fly together, which will support disaster relief missions, non-combatant evacuation operations, and other contingency situations. These services and equipment are used in the continuing pilot training program at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This program enables the recipient to develop mission ready and experienced pilots through CONUS training. The training provides a “capstone” course that takes experienced pilots and significantly improves their tactical proficiency. Training is a key component of combat effectiveness.

The proposed sale of pilot training and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the recipient. The USAF will provide instruction, flight operations, and maintenance support and facilities. Approximately 90 U.S. contractors will provide aircraft maintenance and logistics support for the F-16 aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

The prime contractor will be L-3 Communications Corporation in Greenville, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

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