Taiwan says software problems delaying new F-16 deliveries

Budrigannews.com – Programming issues are postponing the conveyance to Taiwan of 66 high level new F-16V contender jets from the US however the island actually anticipates that the full request should show up by 2026, Safeguard Clergyman Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday.

In 2019, the United States of America approved the sale of Lockheed Martin Corp. for $8 billion (NYSE:). Taiwan would receive more than 200 F-16 fighter jets, making it the largest F-16 fleet in Asia, as part of a deal to strengthen the island’s defenses against an increased threat from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.

Chiu stated earlier this month that supply chain disruptions had caused the 66 F-16Vs to be delayed; however, on Thursday, he added that the issue was related to software issues with flight control and that they were working with the United States to address this.

He told reporters at parliament, “The 66 aircraft will arrive in principle by 2026, there is absolutely no problem with this.”

His ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday that the software development process had been delayed and that Lockheed Martin had already produced two prototype F-16Vs this year, one of which was for a separate Bahraini order.

When contacted for comment, Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond.

Chiu stated that although they were concerned about the delay, they had “smooth” communication with the United States regarding the issue.

Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type, and it has also ordered 66 new F-16Vs with advanced avionics, weapons, and radar systems to better combat the Chinese air force, which includes the J-20 stealth fighter.

Taiwan has since last year griped of deferrals to U.S. weapons conveyances, like Stinger against airplane rockets, as producers go supplies to Ukraine as it fights attacking Russian powers, and the issue has concerned U.S. administrators.

During a visit to Taipei last month, Congressman Michael McCaul, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the United States House of Representatives, stated that he was doing everything in his power to accelerate the delivery of arms.