U.S. to upgrade all Taiwanese F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft on time, but with Harpoon and HARM missiles instead of JSOW
The United States plans to upgrade 140 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Taiwan Air Force in time. But the fighters will temporarily receive HARM and Harpoon missiles.
Here's What We Know
Taiwan has already paid for the AGM-154 JSOW glide bombs, but due to a delay in delivery, the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft will temporarily be equipped with the AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles and the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The modernization of the fighters will be completed in 2023.
140 F-16 A/B aircraft will be modified to the F-16V version. In addition to anti-ship and anti-radar missiles, the fighters will receive APG-83 radar, updated electronics, integrated in the helmet guidance system, as well as new electronic warfare and flight control systems.
As a reminder, Taiwan ordered and paid for 56 JSOW tactical guided air bombs in 2017. The contract amounted to more than $185 million. But the U.S. has not delivered a single missile in five years. It is also worth noting that deliveries of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2023. Taiwan has ordered an additional 66 fighters in V modification.
Source: Focus Taiwan
Image: Daily Sabah
