Taiwan has received its first US-made F-16V fighter jets as part of an $8bn deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump's first term. The arrival of the aircraft comes as Taiwan awaits Washington's approval of a separate $14bn arms package that Trump paused after Chinese objections. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.
The two F-16Vs, made by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, touched down at Taiwan's air force base in Taitung, on the island's southeast coast. The jets had been expected in early September after making refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam. Local media reported that the planes had turned back to Hawaii shortly after taking off for Guam, with no official explanation given.
Dozens of locals gathered near the air base's perimeter fence to watch the highly anticipated arrival of the jets. Kimi Chi, a salesman from Taichung, had travelled through the night to photograph the aircraft landing in Taitung. He was philosophical about the delays, saying "good things take time." Chi added that Taiwan needs more pilots and hopes the government can provide better allowances for military pilots.
Former Air Force serviceman Eric Chan marvelled at the improvements made to the F-16 over the past 30 years and said the fighter jets based in Taitung would "play a very important defensive role" against China. The F-16V is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter and a significantly upgraded version of Taiwan's ageing F-16 A/B jets.
The F-16V is equipped with more advanced combat, detection and engine capabilities, making it a valuable addition to Taiwan's air force in countering China's military threat. Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, noted that the F-16V will enhance Taiwan's air force capabilities.
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would be delivered to Taiwan "before the end of the year", but did not specify how many. Koo added that aircraft are gradually moving through the production line and have passed tests, with further coordination with the US side needed.
The United States is Taiwan's most important security backer and biggest arms supplier, but bottlenecks have slowed the delivery of critical weapons. Experts believe approval for the $14bn weapons package is unlikely before the G20 summit in the United States in December, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet.
Key points
- Taiwan receives first US-made F-16V fighter jets to upgrade military capabilities
- The F-16V is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter with advanced combat and detection capabilities
- The US has stalled signing off on a $14bn arms package for Taiwan, citing it as a "negotiating chip" in dealings with China
