The defense ministry says the 66 F-16Vs Taiwan bought from the United States will be delivered in 2023 and 2026. That’s the word from Defense Minister Yen De-fa on Tuesday.
Yen told lawmakers that Taiwan will receive two aircraft in 2023 and the rest of the fighter jets will be delivered by 2026.
Premier Su Tseng-chang said Taiwan needs advanced defensive weapons to protect itself in the face of China’s growing military threat. Su said the arms procurement is a major diplomatic breakthrough.
The legislature passed a special statute governing the purchase of new models of warplanes in late October. Under the statute, a budget of up to NT$250 billion (US$8.3 billion) will be set aside for the purchase.