US Enhances Taiwan's F-16 Fleet with AGM-154 Glide Bombs

The US has awarded a $68.4 million contract to Raytheon for the production of 50 AGM-154 glide bombs, aiming to bolster Taiwan's air defenses amid rising tensions with China.

• The US Department of Defense awarded Raytheon Missile Systems a $68.4 million contract to produce 50 AGM-154 glide bombs for Taiwan's F-16 fighters.
• The AGM-154 glide bombs, known for their 'fire-and-forget' capability, can be used on various aircraft including F/A-18 Hornet and F-35 Lightning II.
• Taiwan, set to become the largest operator of F-16s in Asia, aims to enhance its ground-attack capabilities and deter potential attacks from China.
• The AGM-154 bombs are part of a larger arms sale package approved by the Trump administration in 2017, valued at over $19 billion in total.
• The delivery of these weapons, expected by 2028, comes as Taiwan faces increased military intimidation from China, which claims the island as part of its territory.

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