Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung stated during questioning at a Legislative Yuan plenary session today that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan remain under review in accordance with established procedures and that the relevant policy has not changed. Minister Koo added that production of the F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft is being accelerated, with more than 60 aircraft currently on the production line. Once testing has been completed, Taiwan will coordinate with the United States to arrange for the aircraft to be flown to Taiwan at an appropriate time. Taiwan is also discussing non-cash compensation with the United States for the delayed deliveries.
Minister Koo accompanied Premier Cho Jung-tai to the Legislative Yuan plenary session this morning and responded to questions concerning the production progress of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft and other issues.
Regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Minister Koo stated that the United States has indicated that the relevant cases remain under review and that Taiwan respects the U.S. review process. The United States has also repeatedly affirmed that its arms sales plans and policy toward Taiwan remain unchanged. Taiwan therefore looks forward to the prompt completion of the review process and awaits an announcement from the United States in due course.
Addressing the delivery schedule for the F-16 Block 70 aircraft, Minister Koo stated that mass production is being accelerated, with more than 60 aircraft believed to be on the production line. Some of the aircraft that have completed production will undergo testing. Once the tests are completed, Taiwan will coordinate with the United States to arrange for the aircraft to be flown to Taiwan at an appropriate time.
Regarding compensation for the delayed delivery of the F-16s, Minister Koo explained that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are conducted on a government-to-government basis. Taiwan is currently discussing non-cash compensation with the United States and will continue negotiating the specific forms and arrangements involved.
Regarding the supplementary budget for drone procurement, Premier Cho explained that the relevant requirements were originally to be funded through a special budget. After the government decided to proceed through the annual budget process instead, waiting for the 2027 supplementary budget could have delayed the program by a year. The funding was therefore included in the 2026 supplementary budget. Minister Koo stated that, given the urgency of acquiring the drones, the government hopes to use the supplementary budget to get the program back on its original schedule and ensure that the combat capabilities are developed as originally planned.