US Speeds Up Delayed F-16V Deliveries

Taiwan's defense ministry said all 66 F-16V (Block 70) fighters have been delayed by production-line relocations and supply-chain disruptions, moving expected arrival from end-2026 into 2027–2028. Lockheed Martin said it is working with the U.S. government to accelerate deliveries, and U.S. contractors are running extra shifts (two shifts totaling about 20 hours a day) to speed production, with roughly 10 jets expected to be assembled by year-end pending tests. Other major U.S. arms sales to Taiwan were also postponed: AGM-154C glide bombs to 2027–2028 and MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes to 2026–2028. Taipei said it is closely supervising contracts, has adjusted payment schedules to avoid premature payments, and that the U.S. has set up a dedicated office to help expedite projects; Stinger and Harpoon missile deliveries remain on schedule. Defense Minister Wellington Koo cautioned he cannot guarantee all F-16Vs by the end of next year and said Taiwan will continue monitoring and enforcing contracts as it plans to boost defense spending toward 5% of GDP by 2030.