[Llarry]

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) in Taiwan has asked to purchase six Northrop Grumman E-2D airborne warning and control radar planes from the USA. The ROCAF currently operates five older E-2K models of the Hawkeye that were originally purchased 30 years ago as E-2Ts, then upgraded to E-2K over the years. One aircraft was lost to an accident.

The story of the Taiwan's purchase of the E-2 is an interesting one: The US had long ago agreed with China to not provide any new systems to Taiwan and so the E-2Ts sold to the ROCAF were purported to be used U.S. Navy aircraft. They were in fact factory new and I'm sure the Chinese were perfectly aware of that.

If the sale is approved, Taiwan will have to get in line to take delivery of new E-2Ds: Japan and the French Navy are awaiting delivery of E-2Ds that are scheduled to be delivered in 2027-2028.

The photo is of a currently active ROCAF E-2K.