Taiwan on Friday received its first two US-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, marking the beginning of deliveries under an ambitious programme to strengthen the island’s air defences amid growing military pressure from China.
The aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung, on Taiwan’s southeastern coast, around noon local time after flying from the United States via Hawaii and Guam. The two jets are the first of 66 F-16V aircraft ordered by Taiwan under an estimated $8-billion agreement approved in 2019.
The fighters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are equipped with upgraded avionics, advanced radar and modern weapons systems. These capabilities are expected to improve Taiwan’s ability to detect and respond to threats from China’s air force, including its advanced J-20 stealth fighters.
Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16V jets would be delivered before the end of the year, although he did not specify the exact number. The remaining aircraft are expected to arrive in phases under a delivery schedule coordinated between Taiwan and the United States.
The deliveries had been delayed by more than three years compared with the original schedule. Reports attributed the delay to software-related issues and other production and preparation requirements, while Taiwan has also faced repeated objections from Beijing over US arms sales to the island.
The first two aircraft departed Texas on August 17 and spent several weeks in Hawaii for inspections and preparations before continuing through Guam to Taiwan. Their arrival marks a significant step in the island’s “Peace Phoenix Soaring” defence programme, under which Taiwan has allocated about NT$247.2 billion, or approximately $8 billion, for the purchase of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters.
Once all the aircraft are delivered, Taiwan’s F-16 fleet is expected to exceed 200 jets. The new aircraft will complement Taiwan’s existing fighter fleet and support the island’s efforts to maintain round-the-clock air surveillance and rapid-response capabilities.
The delivery comes as Taiwan continues to face frequent military activity by China around the island. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control, while Taipei maintains that its future should be decided by its people.
The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but remains the island’s main defence partner. Washington says its policy toward Taiwan and China has not changed, while continuing to approve weapons and military equipment intended to help Taipei strengthen its self-defence.