[rakozvi]

#accelerat#intercepting#condition#intercept

The United States is trying to speed up the delivery of Taiwan's next generation of newly built F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2026 to strengthen its air force's ability to counter China's growing military threat, Reuters quoted US officials as saying.



The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they had not yet come up with a solution on how to speed delivery of the Block 70 F-16, built by Lockheed Martin Corp. and equipped with the new features. The planes are currently scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.



As Taiwan's air force took to the air to intercept the Chinese aircraft, a senior Taiwanese official noted that the island's government had privately told the Biden administration that it wanted the aircraft delivered more quickly.



As Taiwan's air force scrambled to intercept Chinese aircraft, the government privately expressed to the Biden administration its desire to speed up deliveries because more flights would also mean more wear and tear on Taiwan's aircraft, the sources said, citing a senior Taiwanese official.



"It's all about risk assessment......," the official said And it's clear where the risks are, "he said, referring to the tensions dividing Taiwan. The F-16, on the other hand, has long been considered a highly mobile aircraft, proven in air-to-air combat and air-to-ground attacks.



Once Taiwan receives 66 newly built F-16 C/D Block 70 aircraft, it will have one of the largest F-16 fleets in Asia, under the deal approved by the US State Department in 2019. That would bring Taiwan's total fleet of F-16s, including older models, to more than 200 by 2026.



Any move to speed up delivery of the new aircraft could ultimately come down to the Biden administration's determination that Taiwan's defense needs are more pressing than those of other U.S. Allies and partners, according to experts.

[喋喋不休]

干嘛用英文内容