Taiwan aims to become the maintenance center for F-16 jet fighters in the Asia Pacific region.
That’s the aim of the agreement just signed between the Taiwan-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and Lockheed Martin, an American defense and aerospace company. The two sides signed a strategic partnership in Taipei on Tuesday.
Currently, Taiwan’s air force has 144 F-16A/B aircraft. The air force will own the largest F-16 fleet in the region when 66 F-16V fighters purchased from the United States are delivered.
Premier Su Tseng-chang Tuesday spoke at the signing ceremony.
“National defense requires air defense. Air defense [relies on] fighter aircraft and repairs are needed. Today the US-based Lockheed Martin, the world’s best jet fighter manufacturer, and AIDC, Taiwan’s pioneer in the aerospace industry, signed a collaboration agreement with the aim of making [Taiwan] a repair center. I am very honored to witness the [signing]. I hope their cooperation will be pleasant and that they can create a win-win partnership," said Su.
The AIDC said it hopes to secure technological transfers and begin manufacturing components with help from Lockheed Martin.