Newsletters
Taiwan received its first two U.S.-made F-16V fighter jets Friday as it upgrades its air force amid concerns over a potential Chinese attack.
The aircraft are part of an $8 billion agreement for 66 F-16Vs approved during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, with deliveries scheduled for this year.
The two jets, manufactured by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, landed at Taiwan's air force base in Taitung on the island's southeast coast.
President Lai Ching-te called the arrival “a major milestone in elevating Taiwan's air defense capabilities” and thanked the U.S. for its “long-standing support.”
The jets had initially been expected to arrive in early September after refueling stops in Hawaii and Guam.
Local media reported that the aircraft turned back to Hawaii shortly after departing for Guam. No official explanation was provided for the delay.
Dozens of people gathered near the perimeter of the Taitung air base Friday, some using binoculars and long-lens cameras to watch the aircraft arrive.
Kimi Chi, a salesman from Taichung who traveled through the night to photograph the landing, said “good things take time.”
“In terms of hardware capabilities, there will definitely be an improvement,” the 37-year-old said.
“But what we are actually lacking the most right now is pilots. Of course, I hope the government can provide better additional allowances for these military pilots.”
Taiwan is also awaiting U.S. approval of a separate $14 billion arms package that Trump paused following objections from China.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control of the island.
Former Taiwan Air Force serviceman Eric Chan, 57, said the F-16 had undergone major improvements over the past three decades and that aircraft stationed in Taitung would play “a very important defensive role” against China.
“The threat from the CCP has always been there so we definitely need to strengthen our defense capabilities,” Chan said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.
The F-16V is a fourth-generation multirole fighter and a significantly upgraded version of Taiwan's aging F-16 A/B aircraft.
It features more advanced combat, detection and engine capabilities.
Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the aircraft would be “a valuable addition to Taiwan's air force in countering China's military threat.”
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
1 min read
