Taipei, March 21 -- After an overall evaluation of Taiwan's defence needs, the President of Taiwan has confirmed that her administration has made a formal request to the United States to purchase F-16 Viper fighter jets. President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday said " I believe the decision will be supported by our nationals," she said, adding that it is the first time since 1992 that Taiwan has made a request to the US to purchase new fighter jets. Tsai said it has been 22 years since the first two F-16A/B fighters bought from the US were put into service in the ROC Air Force. It is time for Taiwan to acquire more advanced fighter jets, for the safety of its Air Force pilots, to boost its defense capabilities and to safeguard peace and stability ...