Taiwan receives first two new F-16V fighter jets

Taiwan took delivery on Friday of the first two of sixty-six new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States, which arrived at Zhihang Air Base in the eastern part of the island via Hawaii, with a stopover in Guam. The aircraft had originally been expected by the end of August, but spent additional weeks in Hawaii, and no detailed official explanation has been given for the delay.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te welcomed the arrival as an important step in strengthening air defense, stressing that improving defense capabilities helps preserve peace by raising the cost of any potential attack. The U.S. government approved the roughly eight-billion-dollar procurement in 2019, under which deliveries were originally supposed to begin in 2023 and be completed by the end of 2026, but manufacturing and supply-chain problems caused delays.

According to background material from Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA), the delays were also caused by the relocation and restart of the production line as well as disruptions in the supply chain. Taiwan had previously also considered acquiring the F-35B, but ultimately opted for the new F-16 variant, partly because of lower costs and compatibility with its existing F-16 operations. The Block 70's advanced radar and electronic warfare systems improve target detection and air-combat capabilities, and basing the aircraft at the eastern base will also play a role in defending against Chinese air and naval forces maneuvering around the island. Following their arrival, training and the gradual build-up of operational readiness are still needed, so the landing of the two jets does not mean their full operational capability will be available immediately. According to Defense Minister Wellington Koo, further aircraft will arrive this year, though the timing is still being coordinated with Washington.

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