China's anti-submarine aircraft enters Taiwan's ADIZ on Christmas, prompts defence systems

China’s Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) plane encroached on Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (IZ) during Christmas on Saturday, December 25, prompting Taiwan Air Force to intercept fighter jets, issue rio warnings and deploy its air defence missile systems,  Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan said in a statement on Saturday.

Taiwan’s military forces have been publishing instances of Chinese incursion and have updated daily information since September 2020 to outline Chinese belligerence on self-ruled island. 

Each time an incursion happens, Air Force sends its aircraft to tackle situation, Taiwan defence ministry informed noting that highest number of incursions by Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) occurred early October this year when a record 56 fighter jets entered Taiwan’s IZ. China's National Day, October 1, 38 Chinese military aircraft breached Taiwan's IZ after at least five US lawmakers arrived in Taiwan to meet with government officials, a move that provoked China and prompted its military to send a dire message. 

Taiwan's MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones purchase from US 

In fact, just last month, Beijing dispatched eight military planes into Taiwan as it flexed military muscle. jets identified were vanced warplanes that included four Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, two Xi'an H-6 bombers, one Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane, and one Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW & C) aircraft.

In an attempt to boost its military capabilities to counter Chinese threat, Taiwan earlier yesterday announced that it is expecting letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from United States Department of Defense to arrive by March 2022. 

Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan informed at state news conference that apart from unmanned aerial vehicles, Taiwan is also looking to purchase M109A6 Palin self-propelled howitzers from US. four drones have been manufactured by American firm General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and are equipped with vanced reconnaissance systems. purchase is a part of US$600 million (NT$16.68 billion) package approved by Biden ministration in November, according to reports.

“Once LOA is received from U.S., Legislative Yuan will have to review and approve budget before Taiwan’s military delegation in Washington could sign document and move on to next phase of process, which includes payment,” Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng and senior military officials said at a presser, as per CNA.