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 the newly procured F-16V fighter aircraft are progressing through production, with some having already passed the relevant tests. The Ministry of National Defense will continue coordinating closely with the U.S. program office on subsequent delivery plans. Minister Koo added that amid China’s persistent military threats against Taiwan, the Armed Forces will make all necessary combat readiness preparations based on warning indicators and the posture of the People’s Liberation Army to respond effectively to potential contingencies.
Regarding the delivery of the first batch of newly procured F-16Vs, Minister Koo stated that the aircraft are proceeding through the production lines and that some have already passed the relevant tests. The Ministry will work with the relevant U.S. program office to plan subsequent deliveries while continuing close coordination with the United States on the aircraft’s flight schedule to Taiwan.
Responding to public concern over the integration of the newly procured F-16Vs’ electronic warfare systems, Minister Koo clarified that there are no “ballast weights,” as some reports have claimed. Software and hardware testing for the electronic warfare systems is proceeding in accordance with established project milestones. The systems must subsequently be integrated with the new aircraft, and all related work remains on schedule.
Asked about the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, Minister Koo emphasized that tChina has never abandoned its intention to annex Taiwan by force regardless of which political party or leader is in power. The Armed Forces will maintain a high level of combat readiness based on relevant warning indicators and the posture of the People’s Liberation Army, enabling them to respond to all possible scenarios.