Two upgraded Northrop Grumman E-2K Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft operated by the Republic of China Air Force, sent to U.S. for upgrading several years ago, were transported to Kaohsiung International Airport Station in southern Taiwan Saturday for follow-up tests and inspections.
In October 2008, the U.S. agreed to the first arms sales deal to Taiwan since President Ma Ying-jeou took office, which included the $250-million (U.S.) upgrade of four E-2T aircraft to the Hawkeye 2000 standard.
To avoid its combat power being affected by the upgrade process, the Republic of China’s military sent the four E-2T aircraft in two batches to the U.S. to be upgraded. The first batch of two E-2T sent in June 2010 returned to serve in Taiwan at the end of 2011, while the other two E-2T were sent to the U.S. in 2011. The upgrade of the four E-2T has all been completed.
In June 2010, two E-2Ts were sent to the US to undergo upgrades and were eventually redesigned as E-2Ks.
For the complete story by the Central News Agency via The China Post, click here.
