Taiwan's air force has received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, ordered in 2019, after months of delays. The aircraft, which flew via Hawaii and Guam, arrived at Taitung's Chihhang Air Base on the mountainous east coast at noon local time. The delivery comes amid growing concern in Taiwan about the Trump administration's commitment to arming Taipei, despite Washington saying there has been no change in policy.
The F-16V fighter jets are part of an $8 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan, approved by the US in 2019. The order will take Taiwan's F-16 fleet to more than 200. However, issues such as software problems delayed delivery of the planes. Taiwan faces a rising military threat from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its own territory.
Taiwan has complained of repeated delays to weapons ordered from the United States, its most important international backer and arms supplier. President Lai Ching-te welcomed the delivery, saying it was an important development in strengthening Taiwan's air defence capabilities. He thanked the United States for its support. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would arrive soon, though he did not give details.
The new F-16V jets have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better counter the Chinese air force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters. However, Washington has been unwilling to provide Taiwan its most advanced fighters such as the F-22 or F-35. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, but the two have no formal diplomatic relations.
China has repeatedly told Washington to stop arming Taiwan. The Chinese foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the arrival of the F-16s. A US State Department spokesperson said the US continues standing with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance shared prosperity, security, and values, including Taiwan.
Taiwan also has an ambitious domestic weapons programme, including building what is eventually planned to be eight submarines, drawing on expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain. The first boat, the Narwhal, had been due to be delivered to the navy in 2024, but the programme has been hit with delays.
US officials believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is increasingly unlikely. Taiwan holds its next presidential election in early 2028. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said China's intention to annex Taiwan by force has never changed. Chen Jeng-horng, chairman of CSBC, which is building the submarines, said the Narwhal was undergoing its final tests before delivery, but did not give a timeframe for when the navy would get it.
Key points
- The delivery of the F-16V fighter jets comes amid growing concern in Taiwan about the Trump administration's commitment to arming Taipei.
- The F-16V fighter jets have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems to better counter the Chinese air force.
- Taiwan's domestic weapons programme includes building eight submarines, drawing on expertise and technology from several countries.
