US approves $500m possible sale of F-16 pilot training to Tecro

The US State Department has approved a $500m possible sale of F-16 pilot training, spare parts and supply equipment to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (Tecro).

This potential foreign military sale has been notified to Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

Tecro has requested a possible sale for the continuation of a pilot training programme and maintenance / logistics support for F-16 aircraft currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, US.

This will include flight training, participation in approved training exercises, supply and maintenance support, repair parts, support equipment and other related elements of the programme and logistical support required to sustain a continental US (CONUS) training programme.

The proposed sale is consistent with US law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96‑8 and will support the foreign policy and national security of the US.

The pilot training programme at Luke Air Force Base enables recipients to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots through CONUS training.

As part of the training, a ‘capstone’ course will be provided that is designed to significantly improve the tactical proficiency of experienced pilots.

URS Federal Services, Germantown, MD and L3, Greenville, Texas will serve as the prime contractors for the sale.

The sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives.

Instruction, flight operations, maintenance support and facilities will be offered by the USAF and more than 100 US contractors will provide aircraft maintenance and logistics support for the F-16 aircraft.