Taiwan Receives First Two F-16V Block 70 Fighters

Taiwan received the first two newly built F-16V Block 70 fighter jets in a 66-aircraft order from the United States on Friday, beginning deliveries after years of delays. The aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung, according to Taiwan’s Air Force. The service has said 63 more remain to be delivered. The order, approved in 2019 and valued at about $8 billion in source accounts, is for new aircraft, distinct from Taiwan’s older F-16A/B fighters that were upgraded to the F-16V configuration under a separate program completed in 2023. The newly arrived single-seat jets are intended to strengthen Taiwan’s air defense capabilities. The Air Force said it will conduct aircraft acceptance, conversion training and other preparations as the fighters enter service. Taiwan had sent aircrew and maintenance personnel to the United States in stages for conversion training, according to the Air Force account. The service also said it would coordinate with the U.S. project office on future ferry flights as aircraft reach delivery milestones. The delivery schedule has slipped from earlier plans.