Taiwan's defence chief says US shows goodwill amid delayed F-16V deliveries

Taiwan's defence minister Wellington Koo told legislators that the United States has expressed goodwill regarding the delayed arrival of the 66 F-16V Block 70 fighters ordered under the "Peace Phoenix Soaring" project, which cost NT$247.2 billion between 2020 and 2026. The procurement contract does not contain penalties for late delivery, meaning Taiwan will not be compensated financially. However, unnamed military sources indicate the U.S. could provide extra technical support, spare parts and an extended warranty for the fleet.

Production setbacks stem from the relocation and restart of the manufacturing line and supply-chain disruptions, prompting Lockheed Martin to run two 20-hour shifts to accelerate output. The first two jets departed the United States on Aug. 17 and are stationed in Hawaii, awaiting onward shipment to Taiwan. Koo said the defence ministry will publicise the exact delivery schedule as soon as it is set.