TWAIDC - Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation

Our company possesses comprehensive capabilities in F-16 airframe and systems maintenance, as well as aircraft modification and performance upgrades. Since 2015, we have been executing the F-16 Retrofit (Phoenix Rising Program), which is to upgrade F-16A/B to the F-16V configuration. In addition to performing structural and systems upgrades, we also conduct post-modification full functional tests in accordance with technical orders to ensure aircraft functionality and safety meet all required standards.

Throughout the implementation of this program, we have accumulated extensive experience and technical expertise in solving issues encountered during fleet operations. Our capabilities have been recognized by Lockheed Martin, the original manufacturer of the F-16, through multiple certifications in special processes and personnel qualifications. In December 2023, we successfully completed the delivery of 139 upgraded aircraft, making us the most experienced F-16 modification and maintenance provider in Taiwan and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Our company is equipped with facilities and technical capabilities certified by both the U.S. government and Lockheed Martin, enabling us to perform F-16 airframe and systems maintenance, as well as modification and performance enhancements. Our specialized facilities include:

• Aircraft modification and maintenance areas
• Aircraft fuel handling facilities
• Technical data control area
• Operational inspection areas
• General equipment and tooling
• Ejection seat, canopy, and engine storage areas
• Tool storage and management
• HG Paint shop
• Aircraft reception and flight test preparation area

On October 29, 2019, the Legislative Yuan passed an incidental resolution during the enactment of the Special Act for the Procurement of New Combat Aircraft, calling for the establishment of a F-16 Maintenance Support Center after aircraft delivery. This initiative aims to increase domestic production and maintenance capabilities, establish a comprehensive F-16 maintenance supply chain, and boost the technological capabilities and output value of Taiwan’s aerospace industry at all levels.

After being designated as the lead company on July 15, 2020, AIDC (Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation) promptly began to build the necessary capabilities. In addition to forming strategic alliances with the OEM to facilitate technology transfer, we also leveraged domestic suppliers’ existing resources to carry out repair and manufacture tasks. We have built a F-16 maintenance team to support F-16 fleet reliability.

Since the establishment of the F-16 Maintenance Support Center, over 300 component repair capabilities have been developed by domestic suppliers. We continue to collaborate with both aircrafts and engine OEMs to secure additional technology transfers and certifications, thereby expanding our scope of repair services and improving service quality. These efforts are in preparation for supporting maintenance needs for over 200 F-16 aircrafts operated by the ROCAF in the near future, aiming to establish self-reliant domestic capabilities and localized maintenance.

At the same time, by expanding the domestic aerospace maintenance output and strengthening maintenance technologies, AIDC, as the leading company for the F-16 Maintenance Support Center in Taiwan, will continue to lead domestic suppliers into international markets and align with the global defense industry supply chain.