the latest F-16V standard and aims to upgrade rest of the 141 aircraft to the latest standard by 2023 as part of a $3.8 billion modernization plan. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), needing a next-generation fighter to replace its fleet of Northrop F-5s, has expressed interest in the new F-35 Lightning II. However, due to political issues, it is unlikely it will be able to acquire such an advanced fighter in the near future. As a result, the ROCAF has opted for up to 66 new F-16C/D Block 50/52 as its interim replacement fighter. As with all military purchases, Beijing has expressed opposition to the sale. In August 2019, the Trump administration approved the sale of up to 66 new F-16 Block 70s worth up to $8 billion to Taiwan. Taiwan has upgraded 64 of its F-16A/B aircraft to F-16V standard. Thailand The Royal Thai Air Force was initially considered a candidate to purchase the F-16/79. Thailand's first order was for 12 F-16A/B Block 15 OCU fighters, immediately bolstered by a further six F-16A Block 15 OCU planes. 18 more aircraft were received in 1995, the last new-production block 15 aircraft built. An attempt to buy F/A-18 Hornets failed, and in place of them, the US offered to sell former USAF F-16ADFs as Excess Defense Articles. A total of 18 aircraft were bought. In early 2005, the Royal Thai Air Force received three F-16A Block 15 OCUs and four F-16B Block 15 OCU from the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The Thai Foreign Military Sales program is known as PEACE NARESUAN. In 2011, 18 F-16A/B Block 15 OCUs from 403 Sqd. will be upgraded to F-16 MLU standards. Latin America Chile The Chilean Air Force selected the F-16 as the winner of a long-running competition to provide the nation's next generation of fighter aircraft in 2000. The F-16 competed successfully against the JAS 39 Gripen, the Dassault Mirage 2000, and the F-18 Hornet. The deal for six C and four D-model aircraft was valued at $600 million in 2002 and was conducted under a program name PEACE PUMA. 18 surplus F-16A/B MLU aircraft (11 F-16AMs and seven F-16BMs) were bought from the Netherlands in 2005, and were delivered by mid-2006. In late 2008, the Chilean Ministry of Defense expressed its interest in buying 18 more aircraft from the Netherlands, which was later confirmed in April 2009. The Chilean