Taiwan‘s F-16 aircraft as normally on air patrol missions. They will be carrying AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Taiwan operates 142 F-16 with another 66 due for shipment by 2026. Taiwan also has a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre for F-16 fighter jets.
China’s People’s Liberation Army is reportedly planning a simulated invasion of the Dongsha Islands – also known as the Pratas Islands – which are administered by Taiwan.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)