Should the US Government offer the A-10 Warthogs being stored at DM AFB to the Nationalist Chinese in Taiwan instead?

2023-04-25T02:28:54-04:00

Taiwan paid for 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks ahead of time and President Trump approved the sale. The backlog to get these MBTs to them is problematic. It will take until 2026 for Taiwan to get all of them. Taipei received two Main Battle Tanks in March 2022.

I propose we offer these 21 A-10 Warthog aircraft on their way to DM AFB to be offered to Taiwan as a means to bolster their defensive capabilities. I know they are subject to being shot down but this is meant as a deterrent to the People's Republic of China which has stated and demonstrated its intentions to invade with the recent Aircraft Carrier Battle Group and over 50 combat aircraft into Taiwan's Air Defense identification zone in recent days.

The first 3 pictures were pictures of an A-10 Warthog at Gowen Field, Idaho in July of 2004. I was 41 and I still had my hair LOL.

I met some Warthog Pilots at the Officer's Club and one met me at his Squadron and took me to the flight line. I went there after getting my body armor for my mobilization for Operation Iraqi Freedom 3/4 in 2004-2005 which had me stationed at FOB Warrior Kirkuk, Iraq. I was an LNO at FOB Warrior for 2 Battalion-116th Cavalry Brigade, IDARNG, I saw 2 A-10s fly over me during training at Fort Polk, LA JRTC. It was awesome!

I know the Warthog can be shot down by ADA or other aircraft but I feel this is worth the risk and these planes were all re-winged in the last 3 years. This investment in Taiwan is worth the risk. Taiwan has also ordered 800 Javelin missiles and dozens of launchers to go with them for the inevitable invasion. A Navy Admiral warned of War with China in the next 5 years and a recent USAF logistics General warned his Airmen to get ready
President Biden did not react fast when the spy balloon from the PRC flew over the USA and Canada. He is too preoccupied with Ukraine and climate change zealotry and 'climate justice'. President Biden is a cross between Mr. Magoo and Mr. Rogers. Our enemies see this weakness and the USA is no longer taken seriously by our adversaries.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Apr 25 at 2023 3:29 AM

2023-04-25T03:29:26-04:00

We need to do a better analysis rather than offer instantly or keep stateside.

The planes are older and would need considerations for overseas maintenance (parts supply chain, airfield space, etc.). For your comparison, one reason why Taiwan has few Abrams tanks is also from their size/weight along with limited land space for operations. Before going, we need to ensure it is suitable based on Taiwan being an island with mountainous terrain and limited maneuverability.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 25 at 2023 8:15 AM

2023-04-25T08:15:03-04:00

If they asked and we have them, let’s partner up to have more chips built in the US.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 26 at 2023 1:46 PM

2023-04-26T13:46:58-04:00

I wonder why Red China took its eye off of Formosa and turned to this Taiwan place. Ever since the free Chinese led by the Chang Ki Cheks fled there after the war, Red China always had a hard on for the Formosans, what changed?