Taipei, February 12 - The United States government has awarded Lockheed Martin a $328.5 million contract under the Foreign Military Sales program to equip Taiwan's Air Force F-16 fighter jets with advanced IRST21 Legion-ES infrared search and track systems. Announced in early February 2026, this agreement marks a significant enhancement to Taiwan's aerial defense capabilities, focusing on the integration of next-generation passive sensing technology onto the Republic of China Air Force's modernized F-16 fleet. The deal includes production and delivery of Legion-ES pods, processors, and related hardware, with completion expected by June 2030 or later, according to procurement timelines.
The IRST21 Legion-ES represents Lockheed Martin's cutting-edge long-wave infrared sensor, designed specifically in a podded configuration to complement the performance of F-16 aircraft without major airframe modifications. This system enables passive detection and tracking of airborne targets at extended ranges, relying solely on heat signatures rather than active radar emissions. Such capability proves invaluable in contested environments where electronic warfare could jam or degrade traditional radar systems, allowing pilots to maintain superior situational awareness while remaining stealthier against adversaries.
Taiwan becomes the first international partner to adopt the Legion-ES variant of the IRST21, highlighting the strategic priority placed on bolstering its F-16 Block 70/72 fighters—recently upgraded from earlier Block 20 standards. The procurement aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen Taiwan's air superiority amid regional security dynamics, providing pilots with enhanced threat detection independent of radar for faster decision-making in complex scenarios. This upgrade complements the aircraft's existing avionics suite, further elevating the Fighting Falcon's combat effectiveness.
Overall, the $328.5 million investment underscores the enduring U.S.-Taiwan defense partnership through Foreign Military Sales channels. By incorporating advanced passive infrared technology like the IRST21 Legion-ES, Taiwan's F-16 fleet gains a critical edge in modern air warfare, where survivability and early warning against stealthy or radar-evading threats are paramount. This contract reinforces Lockheed Martin's role in delivering state-of-the-art sensor solutions to allied forces worldwide.
