File Image: Taiwan’s Chiashan facility. F-16 Viper in an underground tunnel
EurAsian Times: F-16 Vipers, That Can ‘Wipe Off’ Invading Chinese Warplanes, Struck By Delays; Taiwan Seeks US Help For Next-Gen Fighters
On May 4, Taiwan announced that the delivery of F-16V (Viper) fighter jets from the US had been postponed due to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, the United States greenlit a US$8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin to Taiwan. As a result of the deal, the island’s F-16 fleet would become the largest in Asia, exceeding 200 aircraft.
The deal is intended to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities as tensions rise with China, which continues to assert its claim over the island nation.
However, Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, disclosed that the delivery of 66 advanced F-16Vs from the US has been delayed because of supply chain issues.
Read more ….
Taiwan Says F-16 Deliveries Delayed For One Year
Taiwan Says F-16 Deliveries Delayed, Working to Minimise Damage — Reuters
Taiwan F-16V delivery schedule slips on supply chain woes — Flight Global
F-16V deliveries to Taiwan postponed until late 2024 — Taiwan News
Taiwan F-16V Deliveries Delayed By A Year — Aviation News