First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defences against China
The $8 billion deal will eventually add more than 200 F-16s to Taiwan’s fleet, as Beijing warns against further U.S. arms sales.
- Today, Oct 2, the first two of 66 Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets arrived at the Taitung air base on Taiwan's east coast. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more jets will arrive soon to strengthen the air force.
- Approved in 2019, the $8 billion deal will modernize Taiwan's fleet and eventually bring the island's total inventory to more than 200 F-16 jets. Delivery has faced months of delays, including software problems.
- These F-16Vs feature advanced avionics, radar, and weapons systems designed to counter the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighters. Taiwan lacks access to advanced F-22 or F-35 fighters to match Chinese capabilities.
- A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed that The United States continues standing with allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance shared security, despite growing concern regarding President Donald Trump's commitment to arming Taipei.
- Following his meeting with Jinping in Beijing, Trump stated that a new $14 billion package remains in abeyance, though he approved an $11 billion package in December 2025.
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6 Articles
Taiwan bolsters defences against China as first batch of F-16V fighter jets to arrive
Taiwan is set to receive its first two F-16V fighter jets from a delayed US order for 66 aircraft, strengthening its air force amid rising Chinese military pressure. The $8 billion Lockheed Martin deal, approved in 2019, will expand Taiwan’s F-16 fleet beyond 200 jets. Delivery has faced software and other production-related delays, raising concerns over US arms commitments.
First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defences against China
The first two of a batch of 66 new F-16V fighter jets ordered in 2019 will arrive in Taiwan on Friday after months of delays, helping to strengthen an air force that has to scramble almost daily to shadow China's military.
After months of delays, the first two of 66 F-16V fighter jets ordered by Taiwan have finally arrived. The first two of 66 advanced F-16V fighter jets...
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