The first two of the 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters that Taiwan had ordered in 2019 arrived on Friday on the island, following months of delays, bolstering the Air Force of the country, which is forced almost daily to scramble fighters to monitor movements of the Chinese military.
Taiwan faces mounting military pressure from Beijing, which considers the democratically governed island part of its territory.
Taipei has repeatedly protested delays in the delivery of weapons it has ordered from the US, its most important international supporter and arms supplier.
The first F-16V arrived after months of delays
According to Reuters, the two aircraft touched down at Chihhang Air Base, in Taitung, on the mountainous eastern coast of Taiwan. They had flown via Hawaii and Guam and landed around noon, local time.
Their arrival occurs during a period of growing anxiety in Taiwan regarding the commitment of the Trump administration to enhancing the defense of Taipei, despite assurances from Washington that its policy toward the island has not changed.
The Minister of National Defense of Taiwan, Wellington Koo, stated shortly before the arrival of the aircraft that more new F-16V fighters will follow, without however providing a specific timeline.
«Naturally we will not have received only these two by the end of the year», he stated.
$8 billion agreement with Lockheed Martin
The US approved the sale of 66 F-16V fighters from Lockheed Martin to Taiwan in 2019, in a deal valued at approximately $8 billion. Upon completion of deliveries, the total F-16 fleet of Taiwan will exceed 200 aircraft.
However, production issues, including software problems, caused significant delays in aircraft deliveries.
The arrival of the first two F-16V fighters took place almost exactly one week after the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
Donald Trump had stated in May, after his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, that he was «freezing» a new $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. In December 2025, however, he had previously approved an $11 billion package.
The F-16V against the Chinese J-20
The F-16V fighters feature advanced electronic systems, weapons, and radar, designed to enhance the ability of Taiwan to confront the Chinese Air Force, including J-20 stealth fighters.
At the same time, Washington has avoided supplying Taiwan with the most advanced American fighters, such as the F-22 and F-35.
The upgrade program for the existing F-16 fighters of Taiwan was completed in 2023.
China persists in its opposition
The US assesses that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is considered increasingly less likely, according to people familiar with the assessments of the American government. Taiwan has scheduled its next presidential elections for early 2028.
«The intention of China to annex Taiwan by force has never changed», Wellington Koo stated.
The US is obligated under its domestic legislation to provide Taiwan with the means for self-defense, even though the two sides do not maintain official diplomatic relations.
Beijing has repeatedly called on Washington to halt arms sales to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment regarding the arrival of the F-16 jets.
A spokesperson for the State Department stated that the US «continues to support friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific» to promote shared prosperity, security, and values, adding that Taiwan is also included in this support.
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