Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung accompanied Premier Cho Jung-tai to the Legislative Yuan today for the Executive Yuan’s policy report. Speaking to reporters before the session, Minister Koo stated that production of the F-16V fighter aircraft has progressed to the point where they are now ready for delivery. The Armed Forces are continuing preparations to receive the aircraft in accordance with plans established by the U.S. program office. Minister Koo added that following the Trump-Xi meeting, the United States has repeatedly affirmed that its policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. All arms sales and related cooperation continue to move forward, and Taiwan has received no notification of any changes to date.
Responding to media questions regarding the F-16V delivery schedule, Minister Koo confirmed that production of the aircraft has reached the point at which they are ready for delivery. Preparations to receive the aircraft are continuing in accordance with the U.S. program office’s plans. Once the schedule for flying the aircraft back to Taiwan has been confirmed, the Ministry of National Defense will provide further information at an appropriate time.
Regarding the inability to complete delivery of all F-16Vs by the end of this year and possible subsequent compensation measures, Minister Koo explained that foreign military sales agreements do not include penalty provisions but do provide for compensatory measures. The United States has demonstrated goodwill, and the Armed Forces will continue coordinating with the U.S. side. Further details will be announced once a specific arrangement has been finalized.
Asked whether the Trump-Xi meeting might affect U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Minister Koo stated that the Ministry has repeatedly received assurances from the United States that its policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged. Consultations with the United States on the relevant arms sales are continuing, and Taiwan has received no notification of any changes to the specific cooperation arrangements for any of the cases.