Latest news with #F-16V
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Joins Global F-16 Fighter Production Chain
Doha – Morocco has officially joined the global production chain for the latest generation of F-16 fighter jets. A major industrial project for manufacturing and assembling structures for these aircraft will soon be established in the Midparc industrial zone in Nouaceur, near Casablanca. The United States has formally authorized Morocco to receive defense equipment, technical data, and specialized services for manufacturing F-16 components, according to a notification published by the US State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in the Federal Register on April 29. This authorization falls under the Arms Export Control Act and involves a technology transfer program valued at over $50 million. The planned industrial site will focus on producing key components for the F-16, particularly the advanced F-16V 'Viper' version, equipped with AESA radar systems and sophisticated weaponry. This model remains one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft worldwide. The Moroccan facility will feature high-precision production lines employing advanced technologies, with the participation of locally trained engineers and technicians in aeronautical fields. This project strengthens the growing strategic partnership between Rabat and Washington in the military domain. Lockheed Martin, the F-16 manufacturer, has already increased its initiatives in Morocco. A high-level delegation from the American company, led by General Joseph Rank, CEO of Lockheed Martin for Africa and Saudi Arabia, visited Morocco in late April. The delegation met with officials in Rabat and toured several industrial partners in Casablanca, including TDM Maroc, SABCA Maroc, Collins Aerospace RFM, and Exellia Maroc. The US defense giant's relationship with Morocco dates back to 1974 when it delivered the first C-130H aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Since then, the partnership has evolved to include the supply of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, Sikorsky helicopters, and radar systems. Today, Morocco is a major F-16 client in the region. The North African country has ordered 24 F-16 Viper (Block 70/72) fighters, the most advanced version of Lockheed Martin's famous aircraft, with first deliveries expected before 2026. Simultaneously, it is upgrading its current F-16 fleet to the Viper standard. These new aircraft will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, known for its resistance to electronic jamming, and the Viper Shield electronic warfare system developed by L3Harris Technologies. Beyond Morocco, other strategic US partners included in the F-16 production authorization list are Italy, South Korea, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. The project aligns with Morocco's ambitious modernization program for its Royal Air Force. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Morocco's military spending increased by 2.6% in 2024, reaching $5.5 billion. The integration of Morocco into the F-16 industrial chain reinforces choices made since the signing of several defense agreements with the United States in 2018, which established the foundation for a deeper strategic partnership. A bilateral roadmap for 2020-2030 aims to deepen this military and technological cooperation. The Nouaceur project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen the local industrial base, and establish Morocco as a strategic player in Lockheed Martin's global supply chain. It comes as the country increasingly attracts major defense industry players such as Baykar (Turkiye), BlueBird (Israel), and Tata Systems (India), consolidating its position as an emerging regional hub in this sector. Although the majority of reports confirm the F-16 news, some sources indicate otherwise. According to specialists from the FAR-Maroc forum, these announcements might be premature. They claim there is currently no F-16 assembly project in Morocco, suggesting the news stems from misinterpreted American procurement documents. The experts assert that current cooperation with Lockheed Martin is limited to maintenance and repair facilities for F-16 and C-130 aircraft, though potential expansion through industrial offset agreements remains possible. The forum cautions against speculation, noting similar unconfirmed reports regarding projects with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer that have yet to materialize into concrete industrial ventures. Read also: Will Morocco Become First Arab, African Nation to Acquire the F-35? Tags: F-16V ViperLockheed MartinMoroccan Military
Bloomberg
09-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties
Last month, the first of Taiwan's 66 new F-16V fighter jets rolled off the assembly line in Greenville, South Carolina. Signed during President Donald Trump's first term, the $8 billion deal stands as a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in advanced manufacturing. Beyond its economic impact — creating thousands of well-paying jobs across the US — it strengthens the foundations of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This deal is emblematic of the close interests shared between Taiwan and the US. Our bond is forged by an unwavering belief in freedom and liberty. For decades, our two economies have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in deterring communist expansionism. Even as Beijing intensifies its air force and naval exercises in our vicinity, we remain resolute. Taiwan will always be a bastion of democracy and peace in the region.
Asia Times
01-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Taiwan's new fighters struggle to close airpower gap with China
Taiwan's acquisition of upgraded F-16V fighters marks a significant step forward, but does little to close the yawning gap with China's rapidly modernizing air force. Last month, multiple news outlets reported that the US delivered the first of 66 F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in a US$8 billion arms deal signed in 2019. The handover ceremony, held at Lockheed Martin's Greenville, South Carolina, factory, was attended by Taiwan's Deputy Defense Minister Po Horng-Huei and its representative to the US Alexander Yui. The jets, to be stationed at Zhihang Air Base, will equip the newly formed 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, which is tasked with bolstering the island's air defense amid growing threats from China. The Block 70 variant, the F-16V, features AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, conformal fuel tanks and upgraded avionics. \ These enable the carrying of a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. Although the first delivered jet may temporarily lack its intended electronic warfare suite due to production delays, Taiwan plans to integrate the missing systems later. US officials highlighted the delivery as a demonstration of US commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the 'Six Assurances,' underscoring continued arms sales to Taipei despite China's opposition. Complete delivery of the 66 jets is expected by the end of 2026. Taiwan's new F-16V jets represent a significant improvement over its older F-16A/B fleet, which has also been upgraded to the V-standard. However, recent combat insights raise questions about their effectiveness against China's modern airpower. In a Defense Security Asia article last month, Yuriy Ignat, former spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force Command, noted that Ukraine's upgraded F-16 AM/BM fighters – mid-life improved versions similar to Taiwan's older models – have struggled against Russia's Su-35s due to inferior avionics, maneuverability and weapon systems. While Taiwan's F-16Vs feature more advanced radar and electronic warfare systems than Ukraine's F-16s, they could face a similar qualitative disadvantage against China's Su-35s and its growing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters. Likewise, Global Security notes that Taiwan's fleet of Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDF) is underpowered and short-range, with speculation that US political pressure has prevented Taiwan from developing long-range fighters to avoid provoking China. Although Global Security suggests that Taiwan's IDFs may have been more advanced than any other combat aircraft China had at the time of their unveiling in the 1980s, China has since unveiled superior fighters. Further, Steve Balestrieri mentions in a February 2025 article for 1945 that China operates 24 Su-35s, bought from Russia ostensibly as a stopgap platform until China's J-20 stealth fighters were ready. Additionally, Maya Carlin mentions in an August 2023 article for 1945 that China has already produced 200-250 J-20 stealth fighters, marking a significant surge in production since the type was first unveiled in 2011. It is also unlikely that Taiwan will ever operate US stealth aircraft, such as the F-35. In a December 2021 Aviation Geek Club article, Zack Lu says that the US has zero expectation that Taiwan will hold out against a Chinese invasion. He notes any US military equipment sold to Taiwan will end up in China's hands if Taiwan capitulates. He mentions that all US military items sold to Taiwan are either older or current-generation systems, which are of little value to China when reverse-engineered. He says the F-35 is considered too cutting-edge to be compromised. In terms of sheer combat aircraft numbers, the US Department of Defense's 2024 China Military Power Report mentions that China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Aviation are the largest aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific and third-largest in the world, with 3,150 total aircraft, of which 2,400 are combat aircraft, with 1,900 fighters. Additionally, Admiral John Aquilino mentioned in a March 2024 US Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing that China will soon have the world's largest air force, following its current status as having the world's largest army and navy. Despite those disadvantages, Taiwan's new F-16V jets may offer the self-governing island a much-needed airpower boost. Shu Hsiao-Huang mentions in a Taipei Times article published last month that Taiwan's new F-16V jets are equipped with the General Electric F110 engine; these jets deliver 13,154.18 kilograms of thrust, surpassing the older F-16A/B models and enabling greater weapon-mounting capacity. Shu notes other advanced features, including the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a helmet-mounted cueing system and an electronic warfare suite. He also says the jets boast a larger air intake and a US18E ejection seat. Further, Taiwan's new F-16V jets may be compatible with newer US munitions, significantly enhancing their effectiveness in standoff strikes. Last month, The War Zone reported that the US is integrating the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto F-16V fighters, significantly enhancing their anti-ship capabilities. The report states that the LRASM's stealth and adaptability surpass those of the older AGM-84 Harpoon, which Taiwan currently has, offering a range of up to 965 kilometers. However, Kitsch Liao mentions in a Newsweek article published ast month that an air-launched LRASM capability for Taiwan might not survive China's initial onslaught, rendering it useless to China's amphibious landing group. In line with that, Sebastian Roblin points out in a March 2020 article for The National Interest (TNI) that for Taiwan's outnumbered fighters to make any impact, they must get off the ground – a task that may be impossible given the 1,300 ballistic missiles and hundreds of sea, air, and land-based cruise missiles China can array against the self-governing island. While Roblin notes that Taiwan has hardened underground air bases, its fighters may be bottled up if the runways are destroyed. Though he says that Taiwan could use highways as makeshift runways, the tempo of such operations would be sporadic at best. However, the biggest challenge for Taiwan's airpower may not be the self-governing island's resource constraints but rather the inefficient US arms sales processes. In a War on the Rocks article from last month, Kevin Ting-Chen Sun and Howard Shen mention that late deliveries of F-16 jets from US defense companies critically undermine Taiwan's defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. Sun and Shen note that Taiwan's new F-16Vs faced delays due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, pushing the timeline to mid-2024. Compounding this issue, they point out that the F-16A/B upgrade program, which includes essential components such as electronic warfare pods and AGM-154C glide bombs, has been postponed from 2023 to 2026. They stress that these delays hinder Taiwan's air defense modernization, leaving its forces reliant on outdated systems and eroding public confidence in defense spending. They emphasize that systematic inefficiencies in US arms sales execution exacerbate Taiwan's vulnerability. In the end, Taiwan's F-16Vs may sharpen its defenses but without timely deliveries and an answer to China's overwhelming missile and airpower advantage, they risk becoming just another symbol of Taipei's shrinking military options.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China says launches military exercises around Taiwan
China's military on Tuesday said it had sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan for drills it said were aimed at practising a blockade of the self-ruled island. China insists democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects. The Chinese military said Tuesday the exercises were aimed at sending a "stern warning and forceful deterrence" to alleged separatists in Taiwan. The drills "focus on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, assault on maritime and ground targets, and blockade on key areas and sea lanes", said Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command. China's armed forces "close in on the Taiwan Island from multiple directions", he said, describing the move as "a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity". Taiwan President Lai Ching-te last month called China a "foreign hostile force" and proposed measures to combat Chinese espionage and infiltration. The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command -- which oversees operations along the Taiwan Strait -- shared a graphic with the title "closing in". It showed ships and fighter jets surrounding the island, warning "Taiwan separatists" were "Courting Disaster Upon Themselves". Another graphic shared by the military depicted Lai as an insect being roasted over an open fire. - Potential flashpoint - This week's drills are the biggest since February, when Taipei said that China staged a "live-fire" combat drill with aircraft and warships in an area about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off the island's south. Taiwan's military responded by sending forces to "monitor, alert and respond appropriately". Beijing at the time rejected "pure hype" from Taiwan over what it called "routine training". Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier. While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan -- which Beijing opposes -- Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend it from a Chinese attack. Last week, the island's deputy defence minister attended a ceremony in the United States unveiling the first F-16V fighter jet built for the island. The entire production of the aircraft is expected to be completed next year and all jets are scheduled to fly back to Taiwan by the end of 2026. The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after losing the Chinese civil war with Mao Zedong's communist fighters. Communist China has never ruled Taiwan, where indigenous tribes have lived for thousands of years. The island was partly or totally ruled at various times by the Dutch, Spanish, China's Qing dynasty and Japan. mya-oho/je/rsc
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior Taiwan defence official to visit US for fighter jet ceremony
TAIPEI (Reuters) - One of Taiwan's deputy defence ministers will visit the United States for a ceremony this week marking the completion of a new F-16 fighter jet for the island, the first acknowledged such trip since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. The United States in 2019 approved an $8 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island's F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, the largest in Asia, to strengthen its defences in the face of a stepped up threat from China, which views Taiwan as its own. Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters. But Taiwan has complained of delays for the new F-16Vs, saying problems include software issues. Speaking to reporters in Taipei on Wednesday, Taiwan air force planning department director Chiang Yuan-chi said the first of the new F-16Vs would leave the factory in the U.S. state of South Carolina this week. A deputy Taiwan defence minister would lead a delegation to attend the ceremony, he added, without naming the minister or giving other details. Taiwan has two deputy defence ministers. "The first F-16V has been assembled," Chiang said, adding the order is expected to be completed by next year. Taiwan's F-16 pilots are trained at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment outside of office hours. Unlike visits to the United States by senior officials from allies like Japan and Britain, conducted openly, those of Taiwanese officials, especially military, are kept low key and often not officially confirmed. Last year, Taiwan's navy chief visited the United States. China has repeatedly called for the United States to end any military contacts with Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, but the two have no formal diplomatic relations, with Washington recognising only Beijing's government and not Taipei's democratically elected one.
