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Air Forces of South China Sea claimants

Taiwan & Vietnam shouldn't be fighting with each other the common enemy is China. PRC is using KMT to fight with Vietnam and SEA to weaken its army and when the time is right invade the country to restore the lost province.
 
All i have to say is this: Do not ever underestimate Indonesia. She is a rising power. :)

@Indos , @pr1v4t33r , @katarabhumi , @NarThoD , @madokafc , @Reashot Xigwin -- the development of the Indonesian Navy is what i , personally, marvel at. ;)

Thanks bro....... :P

About some negative statement regarding our current military power, I would say "Never Mind Bro"............ :enjoy:

As I said again and again, at the moment, Indonesia must focus on economy and our domestic defense industry development. Dont need to be such a rush ............. :-)

Once we exceed 1,5 Trillion USD at our nominal GDP and able to add our tax ratio at least like Malaysia has, inshaALLAH, then it is the time to unleash our big ambition :chilli:
 
Yea he talks about Taiwan having air to air refueling capability which I think he pulled from his butt. After we told him Taiwan does not operate any tankers, he then said the Taiwanese are already trained for that and they are just waiting for uncle Sam for permission, he probably just pulled that from his butt again.

I was gonna ask him if he has any source to back up that claim since I've never heard about Taiwan having a trained crew readily available to operate a tanker and perform air to air refueling. But then he ran away. Maybe tomorrow.
Don't make me waste time on your *** again, my friend. LOL

US training pilots from Taiwan how to refuel in flight
By Brian Hsu / STAFF REPORTER



Taiwanese pilots of the F-16 jet fighter have begun training in the US for mid-air refueling, suggesting the US may sell Taiwan airborne tankers, defense sources said yesterday.

A photograph recently posted on the US air force Web site shows four F-16 fighters, identified in the caption as part of the 21st squadron, the name given to the squadron the Taiwanese air force maintains in the US for training purposes.

The photograph shows the four jets flying in formation near a KC-10 refueling aircraft, with one F-16 refueling from the tanker.

The squadron is based at the Luke air base in Arizona, which accommodates pilot trainees from countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Turkey and South Korea.

The squadron comprises around 10 F-16s, which all belong to Taiwan, and a similar number of F-16 pilots from Taiwan, who will return after completing their training to serve as F-16 instructors.

The training program is part of the agreement Taiwan and the US reached over the sale of the F-16s in 1992.

Erich Shih (施孝瑋), a senior editor with Defense International magazine, said the US may now be willing to sell Taiwan the refueling tankers, thereby extending the range of the fighters.

"The development could indicate the possibility that the US might plan to sell tankers like the KC-10 or KC-135 to Taiwan in the future," Shih said. "Otherwise, we cannot figure out why the US air force recently made public a photo showing the mid-air refueling practices of the 21st squadron."

A senior air force pilot who had trained at the Luke air base several years ago said in-flight refueling is not difficult for a well-trained pilot.

"Now that the US allows Taiwanese pilots to have access to mid-air refueling practices, it could really mean something," said the pilot, who declined to be identified.

"I personally do not think that the air force will buy tankers from the US. Tankers could indeed help extend the range of our fighter planes, but they could become easy prey to the enemy if they are operating in the Taiwan Strait or anywhere near China," he said.

Liu Wen-hsiao (劉文孝), owner of the Wings of China publishing company, also expressed doubts about the feasibility of the air force buying refueling tankers from the US.

"The air force considered buying tankers years ago for use by reconnaissance aircraft operating against China. The plan was dropped because it was impractical," Liu said.

"The situation now is not so much different. If the air force wants to launch a surprise or revenge strike at China, pilots tasked with the mission have to accept the fact that they might not have enough fuel to fly back to Taiwan," he said.
 
Don't make me waste time on your *** again, my friend. LOL

US training pilots from Taiwan how to refuel in flight
By Brian Hsu / STAFF REPORTER



Taiwanese pilots of the F-16 jet fighter have begun training in the US for mid-air refueling, suggesting the US may sell Taiwan airborne tankers, defense sources said yesterday.

A photograph recently posted on the US air force Web site shows four F-16 fighters, identified in the caption as part of the 21st squadron, the name given to the squadron the Taiwanese air force maintains in the US for training purposes.

The photograph shows the four jets flying in formation near a KC-10 refueling aircraft, with one F-16 refueling from the tanker.

The squadron is based at the Luke air base in Arizona, which accommodates pilot trainees from countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Turkey and South Korea.

The squadron comprises around 10 F-16s, which all belong to Taiwan, and a similar number of F-16 pilots from Taiwan, who will return after completing their training to serve as F-16 instructors.

The training program is part of the agreement Taiwan and the US reached over the sale of the F-16s in 1992.

Erich Shih (施孝瑋), a senior editor with Defense International magazine, said the US may now be willing to sell Taiwan the refueling tankers, thereby extending the range of the fighters.

"The development could indicate the possibility that the US might plan to sell tankers like the KC-10 or KC-135 to Taiwan in the future," Shih said. "Otherwise, we cannot figure out why the US air force recently made public a photo showing the mid-air refueling practices of the 21st squadron."

A senior air force pilot who had trained at the Luke air base several years ago said in-flight refueling is not difficult for a well-trained pilot.

"Now that the US allows Taiwanese pilots to have access to mid-air refueling practices, it could really mean something," said the pilot, who declined to be identified.

"I personally do not think that the air force will buy tankers from the US. Tankers could indeed help extend the range of our fighter planes, but they could become easy prey to the enemy if they are operating in the Taiwan Strait or anywhere near China," he said.

Liu Wen-hsiao (劉文孝), owner of the Wings of China publishing company, also expressed doubts about the feasibility of the air force buying refueling tankers from the US.

"The air force considered buying tankers years ago for use by reconnaissance aircraft operating against China. The plan was dropped because it was impractical," Liu said.

"The situation now is not so much different. If the air force wants to launch a surprise or revenge strike at China, pilots tasked with the mission have to accept the fact that they might not have enough fuel to fly back to Taiwan," he said.

First, calm down my friend.

Yes, the article said a few pilots practiced mid-air refueling. But where did it say that Taiwan has any crew that have been trained to operate a tanker? Read again my words that you've quoted. I specifically talked about the crews that could operate tankers, not just the fighter pilots.

You claimed that Taiwan has mid air-refueling capabilites, so this must includes both the fighter pilots and tanker crews already trained for this. So, show me some source to prove that Taiwan already has crews trained and ready to operate a tanker.

P. S. Don't tell me they can just learn it within a few hours just by reading the operation manual handbook.
 
First, calm down my friend.

Yes, the article said a few pilots practiced mid-air refueling. But where did it say that Taiwan has any crew that are trained to operate a tanker? Read again my words that you've quoted. I specifically talked about the crews that could operate the tanker, not just the fighter pilots.

You claimed that Taiwan has mid air-refueling capabilites, so this must includes both the pilots and tanker crews already trained for this. So, show me some source to prove that Taiwan already has crews trained and ready to operate a tanker.

P. S. Don't tell me they can just learn it within a few hours just by reading the operation manual handbook.
My friend, listen to me. They had training with American and French in air-to-air refueling. They know the skill and know the technique to do mid-air refueling. The question here is do they have any operational tanker aircraft in their arsenal. That question is no. But like I said due to strategic reason and planning, they chose not to. But it doesn't mean in the event of war, they cannot turn the C-130 plane into a tanker. It depends where they plan on operating their aircraft. In the Taiwan Strait, it is no point because it will be shot down and it is too close to Taiwan already. Far away like in South China Sea, they can do it given the US provided the equipment.

Transport planes could strengthen air defense
Staff writer, with CNA



A Republic of China Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft takes off from a runway in Hualien County on April 14, 2010.
File Photo: Yu Tai-lang, Taipei Times

Hercules C-130 transport planes operated by the Air Force can be refitted as tanker aircraft, which can beef up the country’s air defenses in the event of war, military officials said recently.

Although the Air Force has no tanker aircrafts, the C-130 is spacious enough to be turned into a tanker aircraft if it is equipped with refueling equipment such as oil tanks and hoses, the officials said.

“Tanker aircrafts can double the in-flight operating time for combat aircrafts,” they said, adding that the country’s warplanes can remain airborne for only two hours at most without refueling.

Among the nation’s main combat aircrafts, the US-made F-16A/B and Mirage 2000-5s from France can both be refueled in the air, the officials added.

“Our military pilots — who have been trained in the US or France on how to operate the F-16 and the Mirage 2000-5s — know how to refuel in the air,” officials said.

The issue of tanker aircrafts, however, is a sensitive one. With such planes, the F-16s and the Mirage 2000-5s would be seen as attack aircrafts rather than defense ones.

Due to this issue, which could spark concerns among neighboring countries such as China and Japan, it is unlikely Taiwan will be able to acquire such equipment from the US, the country’s main arms supplier.

The Taiwan Relations Act, enacted by the US Congress in 1979 when Washington and Taipei severed ties, obliges the US to provide Taiwan only with defensive arms.

From the middle of the 1980s to the early 1990s, Taiwan’s Air Force purchased a total of 20 Lockheed Martin C-130Hs transport aircraft from the US Air Force, replacing aging C-119s.

The four-engine turboprop aircraft can serve a number of functions, including troop, medical evacuation and cargo transport, as well as search and rescue, scientific research, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling and maritime patrol.

Additional reporting by Staff writer
 
My friend, listen to me. They had training with American and French in air-to-air refueling. They know the skill and know the technique to do mid-air refueling. The question here is do they have any operational tanker aircraft in their arsenal. That question is no. But like I said due to strategic reason and planning, they chose not to. But it doesn't mean in the event of war, they cannot turn the C-130 plane into a tanker. It depends where they plan on operating their aircraft. In the Taiwan Strait, it is no point because it will be shot down and it is too close to Taiwan already. Far away like in South China Sea, they can do it given the US provided the equipment.

Transport planes could strengthen air defense
Staff writer, with CNA



A Republic of China Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft takes off from a runway in Hualien County on April 14, 2010.
File Photo: Yu Tai-lang, Taipei Times

Hercules C-130 transport planes operated by the Air Force can be refitted as tanker aircraft, which can beef up the country’s air defenses in the event of war, military officials said recently.

Although the Air Force has no tanker aircrafts, the C-130 is spacious enough to be turned into a tanker aircraft if it is equipped with refueling equipment such as oil tanks and hoses, the officials said.

“Tanker aircrafts can double the in-flight operating time for combat aircrafts,” they said, adding that the country’s warplanes can remain airborne for only two hours at most without refueling.

Among the nation’s main combat aircrafts, the US-made F-16A/B and Mirage 2000-5s from France can both be refueled in the air, the officials added.

“Our military pilots — who have been trained in the US or France on how to operate the F-16 and the Mirage 2000-5s — know how to refuel in the air,” officials said.

The issue of tanker aircrafts, however, is a sensitive one. With such planes, the F-16s and the Mirage 2000-5s would be seen as attack aircrafts rather than defense ones.

Due to this issue, which could spark concerns among neighboring countries such as China and Japan, it is unlikely Taiwan will be able to acquire such equipment from the US, the country’s main arms supplier.

The Taiwan Relations Act, enacted by the US Congress in 1979 when Washington and Taipei severed ties, obliges the US to provide Taiwan only with defensive arms.

From the middle of the 1980s to the early 1990s, Taiwan’s Air Force purchased a total of 20 Lockheed Martin C-130Hs transport aircraft from the US Air Force, replacing aging C-119s.

The four-engine turboprop aircraft can serve a number of functions, including troop, medical evacuation and cargo transport, as well as search and rescue, scientific research, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling and maritime patrol.

Additional reporting by Staff writer

Yes, I'm aware that the C-130 can be upgraded to become a tanker. But both of the articles you've posted does not say that Taiwan has any crew already trained to operate tankers. I want to see source for this.

It only said that some of their fighter pilots have practiced mid-air refueling with the US/France. But for Taiwan to have mid-air refueling capabilities, like you've claimed, they must have both fighter pilots and tanker crews trained for mid-air refueling operation. I'm still waiting for source to prove that Taiwan already has a trained tanker crew.
 
All i have to say is this: Do not ever underestimate Indonesia. She is a rising power. :)

@Indos , @pr1v4t33r , @katarabhumi , @NarThoD , @madokafc , @Reashot Xigwin -- the development of the Indonesian Navy is what i , personally, marvel at. ;)

I agree and that's why we didn't hear any chinese official response to Jokowi's statements that china's claims in SCS have no validity (as far as I know). You can only keep making enemies for so long.

@Indos , @pr1v4t33r , @katarabhumi , @NarThoD , @madokafc
 
I agree and that's why we didn't hear any chinese official response to Jokowi's statements that china's claims in SCS have no validity (as far as I know). You can only keep making enemies for so long.

@Indos , @pr1v4t33r , @katarabhumi , @NarThoD , @madokafc


Both Vietnam and Indonesia are , arguably, the great military powers in South East Asia. Both for their successful military history in ejecting colonial imperialists, and waging a ruthless war to secure their national territory from former colonialists.

In Vietnam's context, it was fighting the French, then later the Americans, then further on the Chinese. They have, successfully at that, ejected all foreign powers from their soil with much blood, toil and sweat.

In Indonesia's context, it was fighting a long and brutal war against the Dutch, then securing her vast maritime and archipelagic territory; from Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya (West Papua) to the east, from Borneo and Celebes to the north to Bali in the south.

Unlike Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Singapore , Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines --- whose independence and nationhood was given to them by former colonialists, Indonesia and Vietnam, both, fought long and hard to gain their independence. That history of pragmatic policy , coupled with strategic observation of environment --- makes both of them potent powers in the region. Vietnam, arguably, is the largest land power in continental South East Asia, and Indonesia, is the indisputed maritime power of the vast Malayan Archipelago.
 
Both Vietnam and Indonesia are , arguably, the great military powers in South East Asia. Both for their successful military history in ejecting colonial imperialists, and waging a ruthless war to secure their national territory from former colonialists.

In Vietnam's context, it was fighting the French, then later the Americans, then further on the Chinese. They have, successfully at that, ejected all foreign powers from their soil with much blood, toil and sweat.

In Indonesia's context, it was fighting a long and brutal war against the Dutch, then securing her vast maritime and archipelagic territory; from Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya (West Papua) to the east, from Borneo and Celebes to the north to Bali in the south.

Unlike Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar --- whose independence and nationhood was given to them by former colonialists, Indonesia and Vietnam, both, fought long and hard to gain their independence. That history of pragmatic policy , coupled with strategic observation of environment --- makes both of them potent powers in the region. Vietnam, arguably, is the largest land power in continental South East Asia, and Indonesia, is the indisputed maritime power of the vast Malayan Archipelago.

I said in this forum quite a long time ago that Indonesia is the dark horse of the region and everything that I see keeps confirming that; it will take time, but its happening.
 
I said in this forum quite a long time ago that Indonesia is the dark horse of the region and everything that I see keeps confirming that; it will take time, but its happening.


I admire both the Vietnamese and Indonesian militaries. In terms of professionalism and in confidence. They're both actually quite low key (takes on a low profile) during this stage. I see so much similarities in both the Indonesian and Vietnamese militaries with that of Japan's. Both (Indonesia and Viet Nam) are not pushovers, and will fight and intervene in order to secure their borders.

In Vietnam's case, it was the Invasion of Cambodia to eject the genocidal Khmer Rouge, whilst at the same time fighting a Chinese Invasion in 1979. Another example was Vietnam's involvement in helping defend the Laotians during the 1988 Thai-Lao Border War, which saw massive Thai casualties and prevention of Thai offensives to take Lao territory. It was a Lao victory and status ante-belllum was observed.

In Indonesia's case, it was the ejection of Dutch Forces from the Archipelago, then later defeating the Dutch in the Indonesian invasion of Irian Jaya , thereby seizing the West of Papua, then in the 1980s seized Timor Leste from the Portuguese colony. Prior , as well, Indonesia was not afraid to go head on against Australians, British, and Malays during the 1960s Konfrontasi -- in Indonesia's (Sukarno led) decision to counter the birth of Malaysian Federation. Indonesia, by her own right, is not afraid to fight in what it believes to be threats to the national concept of 'NUSANTARA'.

I admire these aspects of Indonesia and Viet Nam. They both will not bag down from a fight. And they will fight, when push comes to shove.
 
Both Vietnam and Indonesia are , arguably, the great military powers in South East Asia. Both for their successful military history in ejecting colonial imperialists, and waging a ruthless war to secure their national territory from former colonialists..

At the moment, Singapore is clearly the main naval and air power in the region, but I can see that eventually, Indonesia and Vietnam are going to come on top. I think its just a matter of time. Singapore can always rely on big daddy USA.
 
I agree and that's why we didn't hear any chinese official response to Jokowi's statements that china's claims in SCS have no validity (as far as I know). You can only keep making enemies for so long. @Indos , @pr1v4t33r , @katarabhumi , @NarThoD , @madokafc


Haha.. We have been actively pursued "1000 friends, zero enemy" diplomacy for a decade of SBY administration. Now we are slightly shifting our international diplomacy to "all are friends, until our national interest is compromised".

We are in no business of making enemies. As long as mutual benefit, mutual trust, peace, prosperity, security and stability are upheld then we are all good.

We will have 11 fighter squadrons around 2019, and atleast another 3 additional squadrons for 2024, that's the plan.
 
Haha.. We have been actively pursued "1000 friends zero enemy" diplomacy for a decade of SBY administration. Now we are slightly shifting our international diplomacy to "all are friends, until our national interest is compromised".

We are in no business of making enemies. As long as mutual benefit, mutual trust, peace, prosperity, security and stability are upheld then we are all good.

We will have 11 fighter squadrons around 2019, and atleast another 3 additional squadrons for 2024, that's the plan.

That's true, but it takes 2 to tango and remains to be seen if a certain country in the region wants to tango, in the meantime, have to be prepared.
 

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