New F-16V relay returns to Taiwan! The United States signs a NT$490 million contract to support training centers in three locations in Taiwan

Early last month, the F-16V BLK 70 fighter aircraft numbered 6728 flew from the United States to the Chi Air Force Base in Taitung. (File photo, taken by reporter Yu Tailang)

[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] Three of Taiwan's new batch of F-16V (block 70) fighter jets purchased from the United States have arrived in Hawaii. As they return to Taiwan via Guam, the U.S. Air Force has officially signed a contract worth US$14.8 million (approximately NT$490 million), with a defense contractor providing long-term logistics maintenance and spare parts support for the Taiwan Air Force's mission training center. Foreign media reports pointed out that this project covers three air force bases in Chiayi, Hualien and Taitung in Taiwan, and the contract period will extend to the beginning of 2032.

The U.S. defense technology website "Pulse 2.0" reported that the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) officially awarded the Texas defense training giant "CAE USA" this hybrid fixed-price contract on October 28, with the contract code FA8621-27-C-B001. This case is part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to Taiwan. At the initial stage, start-up funds of US$2.234180 have been allocated. The entire case adopts a single-source procurement model and is managed by the U.S. side.

According to the contract content announced by the US military, the main work items include contractor logistics support (CLS), components and spare parts management, technical information services, travel and equipment relocation and other related needs. In addition to the relevant operations being carried out simultaneously at training facilities at three bases in Chiayi, Hualien and Taitung in Taiwan, some technical support and linkage training will also be carried out at the Morris Air Force Chinese Militia Base in Tucson, Arizona.

"Pulse 2.0" pointed out that this Mission Training Center (MTC) support structure also covers the upgraded F-16 Block 20V currently in service of the Taiwan Air Force, as well as the new Block 70 models that are being received one after another. The mission training center has a high-fidelity full-mission simulation function that allows pilots to practice complex operating procedures and tactical scenarios in a controlled ground environment. Through a multi-year contractor logistics structure, the US military aims to ensure that the entire high-end training system maintains a high degree of operational availability throughout its life cycle.

This logistics support contract is expected to run until January 30, 2032. Currently, Taiwan's 66 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets purchased from the United States are being delivered in batches. The first batch of two aircraft arrived in Taitung in October, and subsequent batches have also set sail. The United States has established training logistics support for several years at this node, providing long-term technical support for pilot training and combat capability maintenance of Taiwan's new and old fleets.