Taitung:Taiwan's Air Force has received the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States, arriving roughly a month later than originally planned.
According to Focus Taiwan, the aircraft, with tail numbers 6727 and 6728, landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung after departing from Hawaii and making a stop in Guam. The jets had been anticipated to arrive by the end of August; however, they were delayed without explanation amid U.S. President Donald Trump's preparations for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in late September.
President Lai Ching-te greeted the aircraft, emphasizing the significance of this development in strengthening Taiwan's air defense. He highlighted the government's commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait by investing in defense capabilities to deter potential threats.
The Air Force Command announced plans for transition training and phased integration of the new aircraft into operational service. A new unit, the 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, was established on December 1, 2023, to incorporate the F-16V Block 70s. Air and maintenance crews are undergoing training in the U.S. as part of this effort.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo mentioned that additional jets are expected to be delivered this year, with the schedule coordinated with the U.S. The overall delivery of the F-16Vs, initially set to start in 2023 and finish by 2026, has experienced delays due to technical issues.
A U.S. Department of State spokesperson reaffirmed the unchanged U.S. policy on Taiwan, maintaining commitment to the one China policy and emphasizing the importance of supporting Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.