Taiwan’s First F-16Vs Arrive in Powerful Boost Against China

The first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from Taiwan’s 66 aircraft order arrived Friday, giving the island’s air force new equipment as it contends with persistent Chinese military activity. The delivery followed months of delays.

The aircraft landed at noon, or 0400 GMT, at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Taiwan’s mountainous east coast. They reached the island after flying through Hawaii and Guam.

Taiwan ordered the 66 new fighters in 2019 as part of its effort to strengthen an air force that scrambles almost daily to monitor China’s military. Beijing claims the democratically governed island as its own territory, while Taiwan faces what the article describes as a rising military threat.

“This is an important development in strengthening Taiwan’s air defense capabilities,” President Lai Ching-te wrote on Facebook, while thanking the United States for its support.

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Defence Minister Wellington Koo told reporters at parliament in Taipei that additional F-16Vs would arrive soon. He did not provide details about the number of aircraft or their expected arrival dates.

The United States approved an $8 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan in 2019. Completion of the order would bring Taiwan’s overall F-16 fleet to more than 200 aircraft.

Delivery of the planes had been delayed by issues that included software problems. Taipei has repeatedly complained about delays involving weapons ordered from the United States, its most important international supporter and arms supplier.

The arrival also came amid concern in Taiwan about the Trump administration’s commitment to arming Taipei. Washington, however, has said there has been no change in its policy.

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The two fighters touched down almost exactly one week after President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Trump had also met Xi in Beijing in May.

Following that May meeting, Trump said he was holding a new $14 billion package for Taiwan in abeyance. He approved a separate package worth $11 billion in December 2025.

U.S. officials believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is becoming increasingly unlikely, according to people familiar with U.S. thinking who spoke to Reuters. Taiwan is scheduled to hold its next presidential election in early 2028.

Koo nevertheless warned that Beijing’s fundamental objective remained intact. “China’s intention to annex Taiwan by force has never changed,” he said.

Image Credit: DoW

Taiwan is also pursuing an ambitious domestic weapons program that includes plans to build eight submarines. The effort draws upon expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain.

The first submarine, named the Narwhal, had been scheduled for delivery to Taiwan’s navy in 2024. The project, Taiwan’s first attempt to construct a submarine, has also encountered delays.

Chen Jeng-horng, chairman of vessel builder CSBC, told reporters in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan that the Narwhal was completing its final testing before delivery. “Of course, the sooner the better for all parties,” he added, without offering a timeframe.

The new F-16V aircraft include advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems intended to better counter China’s air force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters. Washington has not provided Taiwan with its most advanced fighters, including the F-22 or F-35.

The United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, although Washington and Taipei do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. Beijing has repeatedly demanded that Washington stop supplying arms to Taiwan.

Image Credit: DoW

China’s foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment regarding the F-16 arrivals. A U.S. State Department spokesperson reaffirmed American support when asked about the aircraft.

“We continue standing with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values — that includes Taiwan,” the spokesperson said.

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