On December 11, 2024, Leidos Inc., based in Reston, Virginia, announced that it had secured a $987 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide maintenance and logistical support for the upgraded F-16A/B jets, now modernized into the F-16V (Viper) standard, which constitutes a significant portion of Taiwan’s fleet. This contract, established under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, ensures the operational readiness of these aircraft until May 31, 2034. Structured as an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, it was initially funded with $1.6 million.
This strategic maintenance program includes critical services such as component repair, technical and engineering support, and solutions to address material shortages and diminishing manufacturing sources. Leveraging modernized aircraft equipped with AN/APG-83 AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems, the contract enables Taiwan to maintain an air fleet capable of addressing growing regional threats while strengthening its defense partnership with the United States.
Taiwan, a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region, has been striving for years to modernize its air force to counter increasing military pressure from China. In 1992, Taipei acquired 142 F-16A/B jets, later upgraded to the F-16V standard. In 2019, Washington approved Taiwan’s purchase of 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 jets for $8 billion. With a total of 208 modernized and newly acquired aircraft, Taiwan’s fleet serves as a cornerstone of the island’s defense against potential Chinese invasion.