Manufacturers from the US company “Lockheed Martin“ are working overtime to speed up production of delayed F-16V fighters for Taiwan, the country's defense ministry said, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
The delivery of US AGM-154 dive bombs has also been delayed due to supply chain problems, the ministry said. Taiwan, facing a growing military threat from Beijing, has repeatedly signaled delays in arms deliveries from the United States, Taipei's main international partner and arms supplier.
In a report to lawmakers, the ministry noted that the delivery of all 66 F-16V fighters has been postponed due to disruptions and shifts in the production line. The fighters were originally supposed to be delivered by the end of 2026. To compensate for the delay, manufacturers are working two 20-hour shifts, and Taiwan continues to monitor progress to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
„Lockheed Martin“ did not comment on the case to journalists.
The ministry also reported delays in the delivery of Raytheon“s AGM-154 bombs, worth $4.44 billion. They were originally supposed to be delivered by the end of 2026, but delivery is expected to take place only between the end of 2027 and 2028, again due to problems with the production chains.
The Ministry of Defense specifies that each arms order is controlled through regular meetings between Taiwan and the United States, and payment terms are adjusted according to the progress of production to avoid premature payments before the actual delivery of the the equipment.