Taiwan receives first two US-made F-16V fighter jets — Asharq Al-Awsat
On October 2, Taiwan received the first two US-made F-16V fighter jets. The Lockheed Martin aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung, in the southeast of the island, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
First aircraft from contract for 66 fighter jets
The two F-16Vs are part of an $8 billion deal to supply Taiwan with 66 such aircraft. It was approved during Donald Trump’s first presidential term. The fighter jets were expected in early September after refueling stops in Hawaii and Guam. Local media reported that the aircraft returned to Hawaii shortly after departing for Guam, but no official explanation was provided.
The F-16V is a fourth-generation multirole fighter and an upgraded version of the F-16 A/B aircraft already operated by Taiwan. According to the publication, the model has enhanced combat capabilities, detection systems and engine capabilities. Su Tzu-yun, an expert at Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the aircraft would become a valuable addition to Taiwan’s air force in countering the military threat from China.
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Deliveries may continue until the end of the year
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo previously noted that delivering all 66 F-16Vs this year would be difficult, despite Lockheed Martin increasing production. On October 2, he said that Taiwan would receive more aircraft by the end of the year but did not specify their number. According to him, some aircraft are gradually moving through the production line, while others have already completed testing.
The deliveries are taking place as Taiwan awaits Washington’s decision on a separate $14 billion arms package, whose approval Trump suspended following China’s objections. According to a source, the package includes Patriot air defense systems, among other items. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to establish control over the island.
