First batch Taiwan F-16Vs arriving this month

ACCORDING to media reports in Taiwan, the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is set to receive an initial batch of two Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter aircraft as early as later this month.

Taiwan had ordered 66 F-16Vs from Lockheed Martin in 2019 after the US$8b sale was approved by the US government. However, delivery of the jets was previously slated to begin last year but experienced delays such as software issues.

Additionally, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has allocated US$1.33b to acquire the L3Harris “Viper Shield” electronic warfare (EW) suite to be installed onboard its F-16V fighters. Officially named the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 All-Digital Electronic Warfare Suite, “this advanced EW system will provide a virtual electronic shield around the aircraft, enabling warfighters to complete missions safely in increasingly complex battlespace scenarios. Its modern, all-digital architecture using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology enables enhanced system performance, a smaller form factor, reduced weight and easier future upgrades”, an L3Harris webpage said.

The digital radar warning receiver (DRWR) technology integrates seamlessly with the aircraft’s new APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to deliver greater situational awareness. The “Viper Shield” has been ordered by Bahrain, Bulgaria, Morocco and Slovakia.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:LOCKHEED MARTIN)