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2h ago

U.S. Steps Up F-16V Production for Taiwan as Delays Persist

Taipei is tightening oversight to protect contracts through delayed payments tied to production progress.

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’s defense ministry reports the 66 F-16V jets ordered in 2019 will not meet the original end-2026 delivery window due to production line relocations and broader disruptions.
  • Contractors have moved to two shifts totaling 20 hours a day in an effort to accelerate output and close the gap.
  • Deliveries of Raytheon’s AGM-154C Joint Standoff glide bombs have been rescheduled to 2027–2028 under a T$135.97 billion (about $4.44 billion) contract.
  • Taiwan says it is monitoring progress closely and adjusting payment schedules to avoid premature disbursements before equipment delivery.
  • Lockheed Martin and Raytheon did not immediately comment, and Taiwan noted in the same report that HIMARS deliveries are running ahead of schedule.