Brief
Taiwan receives first two US‑supplied F‑16V jets amid lingering delivery delays
The aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base on Friday, while officials say additional jets will arrive before year‑end.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Taiwan's air force said on Friday that the first two of a US‑ordered fleet of advanced F‑16V Block 70 fighter jets touched down at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung.
What happened
The jets arrived from the United States via Hawaii and Guam, landing at around noon local time. The delivery marks the initial entry of a programme that began with an order placed in 2019.
What the reports add
According to the Associated Press, as reproduced by the Winnipeg Free Press, Taiwan ordered 65 F‑16Vs and expects 63 more to be delivered after the first two.
In contrast, The Independent reports that the order comprised 66 jets, leaving 64 pending deliveries.
Both outlets note that the aircraft are Block 70 variants equipped with upgraded avionics, radar and weapons systems designed to counter Chinese aircraft such as the J‑20.
What was said
Defence Minister Wellington Koo told Felo News that more aircraft would arrive before the end of the year, though he did not give a precise timetable. The Independent quoted Koo as saying, “Of course we won’t only have delivered these …,” indicating expectations of further deliveries.
How it came about
The F‑16V purchase follows Taiwan’s long‑standing reliance on US arms to bolster its defences against China, which claims the island as its territory. Earlier this month, Felo reported that while existing US arms sales to Taiwan remain on track, a larger $14 billion package is still stalled.
Delays in the F‑16V deliveries have been a recurring complaint from Taipei, and the arrival of the first two jets is seen as a milestone in a programme that has faced repeated setbacks.
Key facts
- Taiwan received the first two F‑16V Block 70 fighter jets at Chihhang Air Base. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The jets arrived via Hawaii and Guam and landed around noon local time. (independent.co.uk)
- Taiwan ordered either 65 or 66 jets in 2019, with the remainder to be delivered later this year. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more aircraft will arrive before year‑end. (independent.co.uk)
Where accounts differ
- Total number of F‑16V jets ordered by Taiwan: 65 jets ordered, 63 remaining (winnipegfreepress.com); 66 jets ordered, 64 remaining (independent.co.uk)
