Taiwan confirms delayed US F-16s to begin arriving this year

11:45

Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that deliveries of the long-delayed F-16V fighter jets will begin this year, following a visit by senior officials to the United States. Production is reportedly running at full capacity, with assembly proceeding on a two-shift schedule.

The island faces growing military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, making U.S. arms deliveries critical for Taiwan’s defense. The F-16V order, approved in 2019, is valued at $8 billion and will expand Taiwan’s F-16 fleet to over 200 jets.

Officials, including Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien and Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Tien Chung-yi, visited Lockheed Martin’s assembly line in South Carolina to inspect the first aircraft. Lockheed Martin confirmed there are no production bottlenecks and that staffing and parts supply are sufficient to meet the delivery schedule.

The defense ministry did not specify exact delivery dates but confirmed that the program is moving forward after previous delays, which had prompted concern in Taipei regarding Taiwan’s ability to maintain air defense readiness amid rising regional tensions.