Taiwan’s Up Media reported on Mar. 19 that Washington has proposed to lease instead of selling F-15s to the island.
By: Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The potential deal is a win-win for both parties as America is unwilling to sell the Eagle to Taiwan and the latter might not be able to afford buying new F-15s in large quantities.
The proposal is to lease aircraft that still have half of their lifespan remaining and upgrade them with new mission computers and fire control radars.
Taiwan had previously leased 40 T-38 advanced jet trainers in the last century as well as Knox-class warships.