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A high-level US Defence team has given classified detailed briefing on the Patriot PAC-III anti-missile system, specially its capabilities against Weapons of Mass Destruction(WMD), and on sensitive technologies of F-18/A Hornet and F-16 fighter jets to Indian officials. This was for the first time that a Pentagon team had briefed Indian officials on the latest Patriot PAC-III anti-missile system. Lt Gen Jeffrey B Kohler, heading the American delegation, told reporters India was among the few countries outside US Treaty allies to be briefed on the missile system. "It is part of the US commitment to develop a strategic partnership with...

Taipei, March 21 (CNA) Vice Minister of National Defense Huo Shou-yeh accentuated Monday the need for Taiwan to procure the U.S.-made Patriot PAC III anti-missile system, saying if the procurement plan is dropped, Taiwan will be unable to defend itself from China's missile attacks. Huo made the remarks while fielding questions from opposition lawmakers at a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's Defense Committee. In an attempt to persuade opposition lawmakers to support the Ministry of National Defense's (MND's) long-stalled arms procurement package, Huo said if the plan to purchase six Patriot PAC III anti-missile batteries is killed, Taiwan will not...