Defense Minister Wellington Koo told the legislature that six of the 66 F-16V Block 70 jets purchased from the US have passed factory acceptance and rolled off the line. Two have already arrived in Taiwan.
The Taipei Times reported that Koo told the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that of the six jets that passed flight tests and acceptance, two have returned to Taiwan, two are at a US base for training and two are undergoing testing. Two arrived at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Oct. 2. Koo said more are expected to pass acceptance this month and the ministry will work with the air force's project office to speed arrivals.
광고 문의 · 300×250Asked whether all 66 could be delivered by the end of next year, Koo said the ministry would make every effort and keep coordinating with Washington but could not make commitments. Deliveries have slipped several times before. KMT lawmakers Lai Shyh-bao and Ma Wen-chun questioned the delivery schedule and electronic warfare pods.
Electronic warfare pods and background
Air Force Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Lee Ching-jan said some Viper Shield AN/ALQ-254(V)1 electronic warfare pods have been installed and software development continues; Koo said integration testing with the jets' other systems is on schedule. Performance details were not disclosed.
Under the earlier Phoenix Rising program, Lockheed Martin and Aerospace Industrial Development Corp upgraded 140 F-16A/B jets to F-16V standard, finishing in December 2023. The 66-jet purchase is funded at NT$247.23 billion (US$7.751 billion).
A plan to keep pilots
In the same report the ministry proposed removing the maximum service length for air force pilots, citing a shortage of experienced fliers. Lieutenant colonels may now serve up to 26 years and colonels 30, so they generally leave around 48 and 52, and many move to airlines where pilots can work until 65 for more pay.
If the Cabinet approves, the ministry aims to keep 74 lieutenant colonel and colonel pilots longer; qualified officers with at least 14 years of service could voluntarily extend to age 58 and keep their rank. Based on public data, such pilots earn up to about NT$300,000 a month with allowances, against NT$400,000 to NT$500,000 for airline captains.