The first jets should come off the assembly line by the end of 2021

Lockheed Martin, an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company is all set to build F-16 for Taiwan. Adding new foreign partners to its list of clients has been its new initiative, the newest being Taiwan. As per the sources close to Greenville’s Lockheed Martin, Taiwan is looking to purchase fighter jets being made right here in the Upstate.

As per the sources, F-16 is the proven to be world’s most successful combat multirole fighter. It is claimed to be a plane with such a status and economic force will surely give boost to wherever it’s built.

It has been claimed that start of December 2019, this location will be Greenville South Carolina.

Reporting on the matter, Mark Farris, CEO and President of the Greenville Area Development Corporation stated that this venture is a testament to the workforce of Greenville County that we can build the most advanced and innovative aircraft in the world here in Greenville.

Additionally, he stated that the customers of $121 million-dollar planes will bring wider scope of attention to the Upstate.

For the records, Lockheed spokesperson stated over phone that the plan is to make around two hundred planes with a time spanning near to next decade.

As per trusted resources, these customers come under foreign militaries, so the allies that will be formed are from the same domain. Lockheed Martin is said to be currently in contact with Bahrain and is set to build 16 jets for them. Lined up is signed up a contract with Slovakia which has 14 jets to be built. Lockheed Martin is also in conversation with many different customers from various countries stated said Leslie Farmer.

Senator Lindsey Graham commenting on twitter gave the confirmation stating that 66 jets will be going to Taiwan.

Source: https://www.wspa.com/news/lockheed-martin-greenville-facility-set-to-make-f-16s-for-taiwan/