The Sep10-16,2002 issue of Flight International mentioned the S.Korean KAIs ambition to test build the F-50 (the pic attached really resemble our IDF), with SUPPORT from the ROKAF ! Here is an abridged version of the article:

[KAI has completed conceptual studies of a 3rd, single-seat model known as the F-50, which ROKAF is eyeing to replace its remaining F-5s. The F-50, which would have a high degree of commonality with its stablemates, but the single-seat configuration would provide space for a more sophisticated radaar & additional fuel. It could have a thinner wing to improve cruise performance, but KAI stresses that the F-50 remains purely conceptual & has not been defined in response to any MND request...ROKAF.. hoped MND will draft a requirement ..up to 100 aircraft.. An F-50 green light would also help KAI find WORK for engineers following the completion of T-50, A-50 development...]

With the pressure from across the Strait ..continual build up of new & upgraded fighters (J-10, J-11/Su-27, F-8IIs, Super-7s, etc) -- ROCAF should support further upgrades (aircraft & engines) of its existing first & second line defense fighters -- notably F-CK-1s, F-16s & F-5s -- to form a well blended hi-lo mix. Like the Israelies resourceful example of converting the Mirage into Kfir-C2s (with canards on top of existing deltas), ROCAF can better rely on bettering its IDF ChingKuos & F-5/Tiger 2000 -- than just waiting another, say, 15 years for the (hopefully) arrival of JSFs.

Times changed. In the 1950s & before 1965, the ROC received quite a no. of weapons (land, air, naval ships) from the USA --although most were from USA surplus or some castoffs, but some were not too bad in terms of quality
(e.g. AIM Sidewinder missles; F-100 & F-104 -- served in some NATO countries up to the 1980s) -- ALL at relatively low (if paid) prices. I guess in a way similar to USAs dealing with modern day Israel.

Nowadys, the ROC needs to pay a hefty price for the increasing cost of weaponry -- without special favors anymore. Now its basically just a regular sale/purchase.

The major issue, I tend to agree, has to do with money. Please refer to the following article: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/DJ02Ad01.html (quite a well written article in my humble opinion).

ROCAF probably is eyeing the futuristic JSF & the ROC Govt had already ordered development work on the strike version platform of the ChingKuo IDF. Money is tight to spare on areas as social welfare & defense.

As the bulk of the ROC defense budget seems to be on the ROCN side; i.e. Kidd/Aegis/ SSK subs,(& P-3s.. etc.), not much seems left for the ROCAF.

Im no military strategist or economic guru, but I wonder if the following suggestions can help in some way -- to keep the aerospace industry going ...

1) Lease the Kidd destroyers (do we need all 4 at once?); let ROCN run them (like with Knox) -- so we dont need to spend so much -- & return them to the USN once the Aegis are coming. This way can polish & upgrade ROCNs personnel & not strain human resources to man so many ships.

2)Although ROC had already funded the USA quite a bit of downpayment on the 8 SSK subs; if possible, I rather have the money forwarded instead to used subs
(e.g. Israeli Dolphins or other suitable types). We need the subs -- AsSoonAsPossible (ASAP) ! We can consider if possible, leasing them as well, so that the ROCN would soon have an augmented undersea capability & not need to wait 10 or more years.

3)Continue work on the Strike IDF (make sure costs is within reason & under control) & the Tiger 2000. If we dont buy from our own factories, how can we create work for our plant workers & engineers ? More importantly, to keep our invaluable human resources (sometimes money cant buy) & keep up morale in the indigenous aerospace industry & maintain some national pride ?!
The ROCAF hasnt shown a great deal of enthusiasm or support for the IDF LIFT or AT-3 (KAI had already flown the GoldenEagle); we really should do our best to keep the Strike IDF & Tiger2000 projects alive -- with appropriate funding.

Finally, if even only the Strike IDF is left & the Tiger2000 is out of the picture, then for the sake of ROCs economies, perhaps it should fully concentrate on developing civilian liners & notably small businessjets like the SJ30-2 to make money first. When the financial situation turns better, perhaps
then ROCAF can be more free to invest in projects like Tiger2000 (maybe by that time itll be like Tiger2010 !) & TFE1088 (or similar type of) turbofans.

Re: No: 729-10 --I would think so too.
If the RoCAF really needs the Tiger2000 to fulfill its particular role in future combat, theyll definitely & surely order it (them).
When it comes to a question between life & death, then even money comes only secondary -- survival (e.g. of RoCAF) becomes first priority.

I just wish, as an overseas Chinese concerned for the RoCAF, hope the AirForce will give the Tiger2000 & AIDC time & a chance to prove itself. I hope our aerospace industry will not lose out to the S,Koreans -- a relatively new kid on the block (in the aviation industry) by continuing work on upgrades & improving existing aircraft, in addition to building new types. Aviation industry related activities MUST CONTINUE --or the aviation industrys morale will suffer & financially staggnant as a result.

Take care, brother, nice chatting with you. All the Best to you too!
We may achieve not much by this type of communication exchange, but hope one
day we can truly see our dreams come true.

挼果能把改裝案和部訓教練機案合併
就是說把F-5F改成高級部訓教練機 不足部分由F5E改雙座
戰時可並可擔任對海對地攻擊任務　也就是改裝案必須加強對地對海功能

下情難以上達，軍部長官明知有急迫需要，

惟政治因素大於戰略需求，

戰術規劃難以自保！

只找到軍方鼓勵其第三代戰機的提昇研發.....
http://news.pchome.com.tw/politics/ttimes/20000811/index-20000811193005168504.html
國防部提5項支持漢翔營運方案
陳濟元

國防部常務次長孫韜玉11日在一場公聽會中明確表達國防部維持國防自主、國防工業植基民間的立場，他表示，國防部已決定將陸海空軍包括AT3、F5戰機與直升機案的性能提升、延壽案等5項方案，由漢翔承接，以維持漢翔生產線運作與公司正常營運。
立委黃顯洲與洪秀柱等人11日舉辦「戰機的天空──IDF有沒有明天」公聽會，由於漢翔130架IDF經國號戰機已全部交機完畢，漢翔公司面臨經營困境，黃顯洲等也為台灣航太工業前景表達高度關切。

國防部次長孫韜玉在會中代表國防部提出5項支持漢翔營運方案。

孫韜玉表示，國防部已同意由漢翔公司產製的AT3教練機及IDF經國號戰機後續性能提昇，與合作生產的F5型戰機航電性能提昇等，指定漢翔公司承接；同時，陸軍通用直昇機、海軍長程定翼反潛機、陸戰隊直昇機及空軍中型運輸機建案採購，以國內具有資格廠商和原廠進行合作生產與組裝。

孫韜玉也表示，如果空軍新一代戰機先期研發建案，將由中科院與漢翔公司合組專案小組，評估獲得方式及建議構想，至於軍機維修部分，國防部也同意優先由漢翔與國外原廠合資或整合國內業者，以機隊統包或合營方式承接。

他並表示，國軍未來武器系統飛航測試、電戰演訓、空中拖靶、航電維修、三軍鍊路系統研發等與武器裝備採購建案，如軍方沒有專業能量而漢翔具有能量者，也將優先交漢翔執行或評估。