Taiwan 'stealthizes' F-16 fighter, as powerful as Su-35S
With the F-16V Viper upgrade package and the addition of radar cross-section reduction technology, Taiwan is said to be capable of confronting the Su-35S.
Taiwan is actively pursuing a plan to upgrade its entire fleet of F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Block 20s purchased from the US to the F-16V Viper standard. This is a modernized version with the latest technologies to help the F-16 become a 4.5 generation fighter.
According to the introduction, the F-16V Viper is equipped with the AN/APG-83 active phased array (AESA) radar, which is much more reliable, with an operating range twice as long as the 296 km of the AN/APG-68.
In addition, electronic beams transmitted on many different frequencies will make it very difficult for the enemy to detect and take interference measures, allowing the aircraft to secretly launch attacks at a safe distance.
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| Taiwan's F-16A/B Block 20 fighter squadron. |
In addition to the ability to carry all types of the most advanced missiles and bombs, the F-16V Viper is also equipped with a Sniper targeting pod, which will automatically detect and track targets as well as provide GPS coordinates to guide weapons to attack beyond the range of point air defenses.
Most of the electromechanical equipment in the F-16V's cockpit has been replaced by a multi-function display manufactured by the US arm of Elbit Systems.
With the above upgrade package, the F-16V Viper is assessed to have combat capabilities not inferior to current 4.5 generation fighters such as Russia's Su-35, Sweden's JAS 39E/F or Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon.
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| Upgrading the entire F-16 fleet to Viper standard will help Taiwan be able to confront the Su-35S. |
In addition, Taiwan's F-16 Vipers also have another noteworthy feature, which is their enhanced stealth capabilities thanks to the HAVE GLASS II (RAM) radar coating.
This is a high-end technology that the United States only shares with a few close allies. Aircraft with HAVE GLASS II coating will reduce radar reflection area by 20 - 30%, combined with AESA radar, allowing it to see and shoot before the enemy.
When Taiwan completes the project to upgrade the F-16 to the F-16V Viper standard with HAVE GLASS II radar cross-section concealment technology, the air superiority of the Russian Su-35S fighter and the domestic J-11/15/16 will no longer be maintained as it is today.
