TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three US arms procurement programs are facing delays, the Ministry of National Defense said Friday.

They include 66 F-16V fighter jets, AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW), and MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes, per CNA.

For the F-16V purchase, the MND budgeted NT$247.23 billion (US$8.03 billion) for 2020–2026. The US manufacturer was forced to relocate its production line and faced supply chain disruptions, pushing back the deadline, the ministry said. The US has moved to two shifts and 20-hour workdays, while Taiwan is strengthening oversight.

For the JSOWs, the MND allotted NT$135.97 billion between 2012 and 2026 as part of the F-16A/B performance upgrade program. The US approved the sale in 2017, with deliveries originally planned for 2025–2026. 

However, because the missiles are the latest variant, production lines, materials, and systems integration must be restarted, the ministry said. Full delivery is now expected between 2027 and 2028.

The MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes have a budget of NT$5.46 billion from 2018 to 2028. Deliveries were initially scheduled for 2023–2026, but supply chain disruptions and the need to restart production have pushed the timeline back. Full delivery is now expected between 2026 and 2028, the MND said.

The ministry said all procurements are jointly monitored by Taiwan and the US through regular meetings. Taiwan has also asked the US to adjust payment schedules based on production progress to avoid premature payments before deliveries are made.