Taiwan reports delays in three major US weapons procurement programs

According to a report submitted by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense to the Legislative Yuan, three of the 24 ongoing US arms procurement programs are experiencing significant delays. The planned acquisition of 24 MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes for combat and four for training, originally due this year, has been shifted to 2028 because of supply-chain issues and the need to restart manufacturing. Similarly, the AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapons, part of the Feng Chan upgrade for F-16A/B jets, will not be delivered until 2028 after the United States had to restart production and resolve integration challenges.

The procurement of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighters, funded with NT$247.23 billion, also faces setbacks; although two aircraft reached Chihhang Base on Oct. 2, the rest are delayed by production line relocations and component shortages. The ministry notes that the remaining 21 procurement programs, including M1A2T tanks, Switchblade 300 drones and Patriot missile system upgrades, remain on schedule for delivery this year.