Taiwan is one step closer to purchasing F-16Vs from the US. The legislature passed its third reading of a draft bill budgeting NT $250 billion for the purchase of 66 F-16V fighter jets. This marks the completion of legal procedures required to obtain the funds for purchase of the fighter jets.
The NT $250 billion will be allocated from a special budget. Funds in excess of that dollar amount, due to fluctuating currency exchange rates, will come from the general budget. DPP legislator Wang Ding-yu says this is the first time the legislature’s Foreign and National Defense Committee requested a special budget.
The legislature also approved a resolution which requires the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the defense ministry to work together with sellers in the US. They should bring to Taiwan the expertise needed for the manufacture and maintenance of relevant parts. The resolution is meant to bolster Taiwan’s domestic aviation industry and make sure that there are stable supply chains for the new fighters.