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2w ago

Taiwan Says U.S. Steps Up F-16V Production as Delays Extend Beyond 2026

Defense officials outline payment deferrals with tighter oversight to navigate revised timelines across multiple U.S. weapons programs.

A Taiwan Air Force F-16 aircraft prepares to take off in Hualien, Taiwan April 9, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo
Image
Taiwan Air Force F-16 aircrafts fly over Hualien, Taiwan April 9, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Overview

  • Taiwan confirmed the full delivery of 66 F-16V fighters will miss the end-2026 target due to production line relocations and wider supply-chain disruptions.
  • U.S. contractors have moved to two shifts covering about 20 hours daily to accelerate output, with 50 jets in assembly and 10 expected to roll off the line this year for testing.
  • Defense Minister Wellington Koo said initial deliveries could begin next year if testing proceeds smoothly, while the overall schedule remains uncertain.
  • AGM-154C glide bomb deliveries slipped to 2027–2028, and 24 MK-48 torpedoes were deferred into a 2026–2028 window.
  • Taiwan has postponed some payments and withheld funds since early 2024 to manage risk, while HIMARS deliveries are ahead of plan with the remaining 18 due by the fourth quarter of 2026.