Taipei, Nov 19: Taiwan successfully test-fired the advanced air-to-air Aim-120 missiles in the United States last week while taking delivery of the US-made weapons, it was reported here today. A pilot from Taiwan's air force test-fired the medium-range missiles at the Tyndall air force base in Florida on November 10, The China Times here reported, quoting the on-line Taiwan Defence Review.
Taiwan bought 120 Aim-120s from the US in 2000 on condition they would be delivered when China acquired weaponry of similar capabilities.
The Defence Ministry yesterday confirmed delivery of the missiles had been completed. It did not give more details.
Air force officials earlier said Taiwan would not test-fire the missiles locally due to rival China's constant spying across the Taiwan strait.
The Liberty Times here has reported that the delivery was prompted by China's test-firing of Russian-made air-to-air AA-12 missiles in June 2002.
Bureau Report