TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Air Force expects 10 of the 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets it ordered from the US to be assembled this year, reports said Thursday.

Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan (李慶然) agreed with comments by Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) that it would be challenging to complete the delivery of all planes by the end of 2026 as initially planned, per CNA. The COVID-19 pandemic affected manpower on the supply chain for the jets, Lee told lawmakers.

Each month, the Air Force and manufacturer Lockheed Martin held regular discussions about progress, he added. A visit by Air Force officials to the plant had confirmed that work on the planes was being conducted 24 hours a day and even on holidays.

The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 caused problems for the suppliers of parts for the jets. Downstream manufacturers were slowly resolving shortages, Lee said.

Because of their completely digitalized systems, the planes had problems with engineering integration. However, monthly reviews offered solutions, leading to 10 F-16V jets being ready for testing by the end of the year.

If, as expected, not all 66 jets are delivered by the end of next year, evaluations will continue about how long the delay will be, Lee said.