TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. Assistant Air Force Secretary Andrew Hunter stated on Thursday (Dec. 22) that the U.S. Air Force is "continuing to study all options to prioritize and accelerate" the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan.
According to Bloomberg, Hunter explained that of the upgraded F-16s, 136 have already been delivered, with the final three due shortly.
A further 66 new aircraft are slated to be delivered by the end of 2026, he added.
Hunter's remarks came after a letter from over 20 Republican members of Congress who are concerned the jet deliveries promised to Taiwan might be hindered due to commitments to Ukraine and Israel, and growing global security issues.
Federal lawmakers noted, however, that Taiwan's existing F-16 upgrade program has been delayed nearly three years due to a lack of key parts.
Due to the complexities of software development, the delivery of 66 new jets from Lockheed Martin to Taiwan has been delayed by more than 15 months, the report wrote.
Lawmakers expressed their willingness to work with the Pentagon to ensure the on-time delivery of the jets amid China's frequent military drills in sea and air spaces near Taiwan.