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.
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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