U.S. Awards Contract for Taiwan’s F-16 Training Simulators

CAE USA has received a contract valued at up to $18.37 million to develop and deliver training simulators for Taiwan's F-16 Block 20 fighter jets.

The deal includes hardware and software integration, testing, and the supply of software for Taiwan Air Force (TAF) Mission Training Centers. The contract is part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

The deal follows a broader U.S. military support effort for Taiwan, including a major $8 billion sale of 66 F-16 Fighting Falcon Viper (V) Block 70 jets approved in 2019. Taiwan's fleet is set to surpass 200 aircraft, making it the largest F-16 operator in Asia. This expansion aims to enhance Taiwan’s defense posture amid rising tensions with China, which claims the island as part of its territory.

Taiwan has been upgrading its existing fleet, converting 141 F-16A/B aircraft to the F-16V standard, featuring advanced radar, avionics, and weapon systems.

However, the island has reported delays in deliveries, citing supply chain disruptions and adjustments in U.S. assembly schedules.

In a statement from September 2024, Taiwan acknowledged these setbacks, attributing them to international geopolitical factors and logistical issues. The air force has pledged to closely monitor production and conduct factory visits to ensure deliveries are completed by the end of 2026.