Taiwan and the US are working to expedite key arms deals, including F-16V Block 70 jets, AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapons and Mark 48 heavy torpedoes, while delivery of Stinger and Harpoon missiles are on schedule, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said today.
The Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee today invited the Ministry of National Defense to deliver a briefing on arms procurement delays.
Regarding delays on the delivery of F-16V jets, AGM-154C missiles and Mark 48 torpedoes, Koo told reporters before the session that the ministry would more closely supervise the contract.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
The US has also set up a dedicated office to make sure this project is completed as quickly as possible, he said.
Regarding the delivery of Stinger and Harpoon missiles, Koo said the items are still within the timeframe of the agreement signed with the US and have not been delayed.
Regarding delays on the delivery of Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine, the Hai Kun (海鯤), Koo said that quality should take priority, and CSBC Corp and the navy are working hard.
Contractual penalties for delayed delivery of NT$190,000 per day are meant to ensure the contract is fulfilled, he said, adding that completing the submarine remains the goal.
All arms deliveries would be managed according to the schedules set in the agreements with the US, he added.
As President William Lai (賴清德) has pledged to raise the defense budget to 5 percent of GDP by 2030, the budget would be allocated based on current threats, defense capabilities and military preparation requirements, Koo said.
The budget would cover not only arms and equipment, but also training and organizational aspects, he added.
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