Taiwan Receives First F-16V Fighter Jets as China Pressure Grows

Post by : Saif

Taiwan has received the first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the United States, beginning delivery of a 66-aircraft order aimed at strengthening the island’s air defence capabilities.

The two aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on October 2 after flying through Hawaii and Guam. The arrival comes after months of delays and as Taiwan continues to monitor frequent Chinese military activity around the island.

Taiwan Receives First Two F-16V Jets

The two fighter jets are the first deliveries from an order for 66 new F-16V Block 70 aircraft approved by the United States in 2019.

Taiwan had initially expected the aircraft to arrive earlier, but the programme faced delays linked to production and software-related issues. Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs are expected to arrive, although he did not provide a detailed delivery schedule.

President Lai Ching-te described the delivery as an important development for Taiwan's air defence and thanked the United States for its support.

$8 Billion US Fighter Jet Deal

Washington approved the sale of the 66 F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan in 2019 in a deal valued at about $8 billion.

Once the full order is delivered, Taiwan's F-16 fleet is expected to exceed 200 aircraft. The new F-16Vs include upgraded avionics, radar systems and weapons capabilities designed to improve their ability to operate against modern air threats.

Taiwan completed an upgrade programme for its existing F-16 fleet in 2023, adding to the country's effort to modernise its air force.

Chinese Military Activity Around Taiwan

Taiwan regularly sends fighter aircraft to monitor Chinese military aircraft and other activities around the island.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China, while Taiwan's government maintains its own democratic political system and defence forces. China has repeatedly opposed US arms sales to Taiwan and has called on Washington to stop supplying weapons to the island.

The latest F-16 delivery also comes shortly after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding attention to the timing of the aircraft's arrival.

F-16V Designed for Modern Air Threats

The F-16V Block 70 is an upgraded version of the F-16 fighter family. The aircraft includes modern radar, avionics and weapons systems.

These systems are intended to improve Taiwan's ability to detect and respond to aircraft operating near its airspace. The jets are also designed to operate against advanced aircraft, including China's J-20 stealth fighters.

The United States has not supplied Taiwan with its most advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-22 or F-35.

Read more: US F-35 Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Training Chinese Air Force

Taiwan Expands Its Defence Programme

Alongside purchases from the United States, Taiwan is developing weapons systems domestically.

One major programme involves building submarines for the island's navy. Taiwan has planned a fleet of up to eight domestically built submarines, although the programme has also faced delays.

The first submarine, known as the Narwhal, has been undergoing final testing before delivery to the navy, according to the latest reporting.

US and China Positions

US law requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain its self-defence, although the United States and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations.

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington continues to work with partners across the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.

China has repeatedly objected to American arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions about the arrival of the two F-16V aircraft.

The arrival of the first two jets marks the beginning of a larger delivery programme that Taiwan says will strengthen its air defence as military activity around the island remains closely monitored.

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