Taiwan is modernising Mirage 2000-5 fighters due to delays in deliveries of US F-16 Block 70 Viper jets

Lockheed Martin is facing problems that are delaying deliveries of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan. In this regard, the island nation decided to modernise the Mirage 2000-5 aircraft.

Here's What We Know

Taiwan has ordered 66 F-16 Fighting Falcon generation 4++ fighter jets upgraded to Block 70. Deliveries were scheduled for the end of 2023, but have since been pushed back to the third quarter of next year. Due to the potential threat from China, the authorities cannot sit idly by and are forced to act.

The island nation plans to test the possibility of upgrading nine of its 54 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to extend their service life. This was announced by the headquarters of the Taiwan Air Force Command.

All nine fighters that could be upgraded are two-seat fighters. This will allow them to be used for both combat and training.

The Taiwan Air Force is now working with France's Dassault Rafale to evaluate the possibility of an upgrade that would allow the aircraft to fly for another 20 years. The study will last until July 2026. It will cost the island nation's budget $4.77 million.

At the end of last century, Taiwan ordered 60 French-made fighter jets, including 48 single-seat Mirage 2000-5EIs and 12 two-seat Mirage 2000-5DIs. The deal, dubbed Project Fei Long, was valued at $3.8bn.

Source: Focus Taiwan