Taiwan has unveiled the first of six upgraded Ching Kuo indigenous defence fighters (IDF) at the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in Taiwan.
The fighter, which entered service in 1992, has been refitted with improved electronics and avionics to carry more types of missiles, including an anti-radiation missile.
The $588m upgrade programme for 71 of the 130 IDFs is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, according to The Associated Press.
Taiwan is also seeking advanced F-16 fighters from the US in a move to enhance the country’s air defence capabilities.