Taiwan scrambles fighters to intercept Chinese strategic bombers
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan reported that no less than eighteen Chinese military aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait on September 18, 2020. As a response, fighter jets were scrambled for an interception.
An air group composed of two Xian H-6 strategic bombers with their escort of J-16 fighters approached the island of Taiwan by the southwest and entered the nation’s air defense identification zone. Several other fighter formations that included more J-16 fighters, four J-10 fighters, and four J-11 fighters also flew towards the island from the northwest.
As a response, the Taiwanese Air Force (ROCAF) issued radio warnings. Fighters, most likely F-16s, were scrambled to intercept and escort the military aircraft away. Air defense missile systems were deployed to monitor the activities.
Sep. 18, two H-6 bombers, eight J-16 fighters, four J-10 fighters and four J-11 fighters crossed the midline of the #TaiwanStrait and entered #Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ. #ROCAF scrambled fighters, and deployed air defense missile system to monitor the activities. pic.twitter.com/sGaxXlO0BT
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. (@MoNDefense) September 18, 2020
Chinese incursions past the strategic central line of the Taiwan Strait are frequent. China does not recognize the sovereignty of Taiwan and thus considers the Strait as part of its territorial waters. To help Taiwan protect its sovereignty, the United States government could soon sell over $7 billion in weapons, including surveillance drones, sea mines, and cruise missiles, according to sources close to the matter.
On September 4, 2020, an alarming report emerged on Chinese social media, claiming that Taiwan had shot down a fighter jet of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), believed to be either a Sukhoi Su-35 or a Chengdu J-10, while infringing on Taiwan airspace. The information was denied by the Taiwanese Air Force Command, and the alleged crash site was located about 900 kilometers (550 miles) away from the island.
Following US, Russia intends to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty
After the United States, Russia will withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, which allows mutual monitoring of military mov...
Greek parliament approves Dassault Rafale fighters order
The Greek parliament approved the order for 18 Dassault Rafale fighters. An agreement with France should be signed by th...
India orders for 83 HAL Tejas indigenous fighter jets
The Indian Ministry of Defense approved the acquisition of 83 new HAL Tejas aircraft, an indigenous multirole fighter je...
Sukhoi S-70 combat drone completes bombing test
The Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik (“Hunter”) attack drone dropped bombs on a ground target during flight test...