Jeroen.B (flickr) Taiwan finalizes $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martinas US health chief visits Taiwan - World News: Taiwan finalized the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing. Agence France-Presse Washington August 15, 2020 UPDATED: August 15, 2020 07:28 IST Taiwan finalized the purchase of F-16 fighter jets from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Friday, a source confirmed to AFP, in a $62 billion, 10-year deal sure to anger Beijing. Underscoring the sensitivity of the transaction, the Pentagon announced the contract without specifying the buyer, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that it was Taiwan. The self-ruled island, which China considers part of its territory, last year obtained the green light from Washington for the purchase of 66 new generation F-16s, which will allow it to modernize its defenses. Taiwan already has a fleet of F-16s purchased in 1992. The new contract, which the Pentagon said is for an initial delivery order of 90 jets, provides for more modern aircraft with the newest technology and and weaponry. Beijing insists that Taiwan -- an island of 23 million people that has been self-ruled since 1949 -- is part of its territory and has vowed to respond with force if Taipei ever formally moves towards declaring independence. Washington, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main supplier of arms. The Lockheed contract comes as Beijing flexes its political muscle in Hong Kong, imposing a sweeping security law on the international business hub, a move that has caused concern in Taiwan. It also comes two days after a visit to Taiwan by the highest-level US delegation since 1979, provoking fury from Beijing, with ties between the two superpowers severely strained over issues from trade to military and security issues, human rights and the coronavirus pandemic. ##### E-16V - Lockheed Martin Taiwan's new F-16s to be equipped with advanced electronic warfare system Taiwan eyes further U.S. arms purchases with new anti-ship missile Taiwanese F-16V procurement activated with engine contract Taiwan preparing for M1A2T tanks with help from U.S.: army Lockheed awarded $32.9M deal to upgrade Taiwan's F-16s Taiwan, USA proceed with F-16V deal Taiwan, U.S. companies to ink pact on F-16 maintenance center Taiwan says F-16 upgrade back on track, as it seeks recon pods that can watch China’s coastline Taiwan F-16 fighter jet upgrades on schedule, despite delays Taiwan calls for after-sales help with US jets, tanks F-16V funding bill passes initial review - Taiwan F-16V jetfighter can outclass China's J-20: defense minister Taiwan cabinet passes bill for F-16 fighter jets budget Taiwan refutes talk that bargain F-16s are downgraded hardware US F-16 sale to Taiwan could lead to new round of military drills, economic sanctions: analyst Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry transfers $1.2BN to US for eight F-16s Bulgarian parliament clears F-16V buy for second time Bulgaria Agrees to Buy F-16 Jets From U.S. in $1.25-Billion Deal Trump pushes forward with sale of F-16V warplanes F-16V Fighter: Details