[borghead]

How exactly will vtol aircraft help taiwan's defense? Harriers are short range ground support and interdiction aircraft, not air superiority fighters, they would be slapped out the sky by the Chinese su-27s and j-10s.

[tallhappy]

China's not going to attack Taiwan and there is not going to be a war between Taiwan and China.

But there very well may be military action in Philippines, Malaysia or Indonesia regions concerning Al Qaeda related factions.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

How exactly will vtol aircraft help taiwan's defense? Harriers are short range ground support and interdiction aircraft, not air superiority fighters, they would be slapped out the sky by the Chinese su-27s and j-10s.

Harriers are V/STOL aircraft. They have the ability to make a normal, albeit short, take off roll. There are a number of Argentinian pilots, 20 confirmed and 3 probable, who can personally attest to the Harrier's capabilities as a dogfighter. It's ability to VIFF, vector in forward flight, gives it an agility matched by few fighters. History has shown that most dogfighting occurs at Mach 0.8 and below.

British Harriers can carry the AMRAAM and ASRAAM in addition to the Sidewinder. Marine Corps Harriers can carry the Sidewinder and some have been upgraded to carry the APG-65. Depending on what version they lease, the Taiwanese could have a very capable fighter.

[Enemy Of The State]

"How exactly will vtol aircraft help taiwan's defense? Harriers are short range ground support and interdiction aircraft, not air superiority fighters, they would be slapped out the sky by the Chinese su-27s and j-10s"

Because China will tip off an attack by missile first in order to eliminate airports and runways. Harriers do not require runways since they have verticle takeoff ability. Once airborne the harriers can provide defense until jet fighters are capable of launching.

[piasa]

they would be slapped out the sky by the Chinese su-27s and j-10s.

Not the way mainland Chinese fly... remember how Beijing claims our EP-3 rammed Wong Wei's fighter? ROTFLMAO! Beijing should be grateful we didn't sell Taiwan something with propellers.