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Taiwan has received the first two US-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets under an $8 billion deal for 66 aircraft, as Taipei continues to strengthen its air defence capabilities amid growing military pressure from China.
The two aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Friday, marking the first deliveries under the programme the United States approved in 2019. The jets had travelled through Hawaii and Guam before reaching Taiwan after months of delays linked to production and software issues.
The F-16V Block 70 is an upgraded version of Taiwan’s existing F-16 fleet, featuring advanced avionics, radar and electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is expected to expand Taiwan’s ability to monitor and respond to air and maritime activity around the island. Taiwan currently operates 139 upgraded F-16A/B aircraft, and adding the 66 new jets will bring its total F-16 fleet to more than 200.
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The delivery comes as Taiwan continues to face delays in receiving other weapons ordered from the United States, its main international arms supplier. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said additional F-16Vs would arrive before the end of the year, although he did not give a specific number.
“Of course we won’t only have delivered these two by year-end,” Koo said. He added that aircraft were moving through production and testing, with further delivery plans to be coordinated with the US.
The arrival has also drawn attention from residents and former military personnel who gathered near the air base to watch the aircraft land. Kimi Chi, a 37-year-old salesman who travelled overnight to photograph the jets, said the new aircraft would improve Taiwan’s hardware capabilities but pointed to a pilot shortage as a major issue.
Taiwan received its first two US-made F-16V fighter jets, as the island democracy upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack. The warplanes are part of an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term and scheduled for delivery this year. AFP
Former Air Force serviceman Eric Chan said the F-16Vs would “play a very important defensive role” and argued that Taiwan needed to continue strengthening its defence capabilities. Military expert Su Tzu-yun described the upgraded fighters as “a valuable addition” to Taiwan’s air force.
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The delivery comes amid a wider dispute over US arms sales to Taiwan. Washington has also been considering a separate $14 billion weapons package for Taipei, which includes Patriot air defence systems. US President Donald Trump has paused approval of the package, describing it as a “very good negotiating chip” in dealings with China.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to the island. Washington, meanwhile, has said its policy towards Taiwan has not changed. A US State Department spokesperson said the United States would continue working with partners across the Indo-Pacific on shared security interests, including Taiwan.
For Taiwan, the arrival of the first two F-16Vs marks a significant step in a broader effort to modernise its fighter fleet while it waits for the remaining aircraft and other defence equipment to be delivered.
