U.S. Approves Spares & Support Package for Taiwan's for F-16s, AESA Radars

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan for spare parts, support, and services related to its F-16 aircraft and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars.

The proposed $320 million sale includes essential spare and repair parts, along with U.S. and contractor support for maintenance, logistics, and services for Taiwan's F-16 fleet and AESA radars.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.

This package will enhance Taiwan’s military readiness and help the island maintain its defense capabilities in the face of regional security challenges, the Pentagon said in an official statement.

The sale is part of ongoing U.S. support to Taiwan, which has been modernizing its military since 2019 when it requested 66 F-16V fighter jets worth $8 billion. In preparation for these jets, Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) pilots are undergoing training in the U.S. to become instructor pilots. The training program, which has been allocated a budget of NT$36.7 million, aims to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of Taiwan's upgraded F-16 fleet.

The U.S. State Department has also approved a potential $65 million sale to Taiwan, which includes enhanced mobile subscriber equipment and related support. General Dynamics is the primary contractor for this deal.

The ongoing military sales aim to improve Taiwan's ability to defend itself against potential threats, particularly from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. On Saturday, Taipei said 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels as well as two balloons were detected in 24 hours around the island.

The sales were announced as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te prepared for a trip to three Pacific island allies, with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the arms sales, noting they would help maintain F-16 readiness and strengthen air defense. It also emphasized the ongoing consolidation of Taiwan-U.S. security ties. The foreign ministry noted that this marks the 18th arms sale under the Biden administration.