Lockheed Martin to Deliver IRST Pods to Taiwan Air Force
January 2, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1767362531870-1688
Lockheed Martin has agreed to supply the Taiwan Air Force with 55 Legion infrared search and track (IRST) pods under the US Foreign Military Sales program. The delivery strengthens the F-16 fleet’s ability to detect and track airborne targets using passive sensors, addressing an urgent operational need described by the US Department of Defense. This order fits into a broader modernization effort aimed at sustaining and modernizing Taiwan’s F-16 fleet. (Credit: Lockheed Martin) AeroTime reports that the upgrade comes as part of a $320 million package focused on F-16 sustainment and AESA radar support, aimed at maintaining readiness and supporting advanced sensor capabilities already fielded on Taiwan’s aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- Lockheed Martin will supply 55 Legion IRST pods to the Taiwan Air Force.
- The pods enhance the fleet’s ability to detect and track airborne targets using passive sensors.
- The US Department of Defense describes the requirement as an urgent operational need for Taiwan.
Strategic Implications
This delivery may indicate a broader trend in the US military’s emphasis on sensor capabilities and collaborative targeting. The Legion IRST pod’s passive sensing technology could be particularly relevant in environments with advanced electronic warfare and air defenses. This suggests that Lockheed Martin is positioning its product as a solution for radar-denied or emission-controlled scenarios.