TECRO requests F-16 training

The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale for the continuation of a pilot training programme to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 15 April.

In a package worth $500 million, TECRO has requested the continuation of a pilot training programme and maintenance and logistics support for F-16 aircraft currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The request includes flight training; participation in approved training exercises; inert/dummy training munitions; supply and maintenance support; spares and repair parts; and other related elements of programme and logistical support necessary to sustain a long-term CONUS training programme.  

The training will provide a capstone course that takes experienced pilots and significantly improves their tactical proficiency.  

If the sale goes ahead, URS Federal Services and L3 will be the prime contractors.

The US Air Force will provide instruction, flight operations, maintenance support and facilities for the training programme.