Military

Defense Minister: No Financial Penalties for F-16 Delays

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By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo says US arms sales to Taiwan do not include financial penalties for delayed deliveries, but compensatory measures are available. Taiwan purchased 66 F-16V fighter jets from the US for around US$7.5 billion, with deliveries scheduled to be completed before 2028. The first two jets departed the continental US in August but have yet to arrive in Taiwan.

US Arms Sales to Taiwan

REPORTER:  
Taiwan's defense minister has responded to rumors that Taipei could seek financial compensation from the US over the delayed delivery of F-16V fighter jets.

Wellington Koo (DEFENSE MINISTER):  
As we have continuously explained [arms sales] do not have a financial penalty but there are compensatory measures in place. I think the US has already demonstrated goodwill and we will coordinate with them.

REPORTER:  
Defense Minister Koo made the comments on Tuesday in response to concern over weapons packages from the US to Taiwan. Taiwan purchased 66 F-16 fighters from the US for about 7.5 billion US dollars. These are slated for delivery before 2028. The first two jets in the order left the continental US in August, but have yet to arrive in Taiwan.