Taiwan is set to begin receiving delayed F-16V fighter jets from the United States later this year, its defense ministry announced, following a visit by senior officials to Lockheed Martin’s assembly line in South Carolina.
The U.S. approved an $8 billion sale of F-16 jets to Taiwan in 2019, a deal intended to expand the island’s fleet to more than 200 aircraft. However, production has faced repeated delays due to software and system testing requirements.
Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien, accompanied by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Tien Chung-yi, inspected the first aircraft and confirmed that deliveries would start in 2026, though no specific timeline was given. Lockheed Martin said production is running at full capacity on a two-shift schedule, with no parts or manpower shortages.
“The company remains committed to delivering advanced deterrence capabilities to support Taiwan’s security goals,” Lockheed Martin said, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government to accelerate deliveries where possible.
The F-16V is a new model tailored for Taiwan, featuring upgraded avionics, radar, and weapons systems designed to counter Chinese air threats, including stealth fighters such as the J-20. Taiwan has also upgraded 141 older F-16A/B jets to the V-standard and ordered 66 new aircraft.
In addition to the F-16Vs, Taiwan has received two of four MQ-9B “SkyGuardian” drones from General Atomics, widely used in combat operations globally. The remaining two drones are expected next year.
