First 2 US-built F-16s boost Taiwan air force

TAITUNG, Taiwan: Taiwan has received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States, strengthening its air force as it faces frequent Chinese military activity around the island. The two aircraft arrived at Chihang Air Base in Taitung on Taiwan's mountainous east coast on October 2. The delivery came after months of delays and amid concerns in Taiwan about the U.S. commitment to providing weapons to Taipei. Taiwan faces growing military pressure from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as part of China. Taiwan has repeatedly complained about delays in U.S. weapons deliveries. The United States is Taiwan's most important international arms supplier and its main security partner. The two fighter jets flew via Hawaii and Guam before landing in Taiwan at about noon local time. "This is an important development in strengthening Taiwan's air defense capabilities," President Lai Ching-te said in a Facebook post, while thanking the United States for its support. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would arrive soon, but he did not provide details on when the next aircraft would be delivered. The United States approved the US$8 billion sale of 66 F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan in 2019. Once all the aircraft are delivered, Taiwan's F-16 fleet will exceed 200 planes. The program has faced delays caused by several problems, including software issues. The first two aircraft arrived almost a week after U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. Trump said in May, after meeting Xi in Beijing, that he was holding a new $14 billion arms package for Taiwan. He had approved an $11 billion package in December 2025. People familiar with U.S. thinking told Reuters that U.S. officials believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is becoming increasingly unlikely. Taiwan is due to hold its next presidential election in early 2028. Koo said China's goal of taking control of Taiwan by force had not changed. The new F-16Vs have upgraded radar, weapons, and other electronic systems. These improvements are designed to help Taiwan respond to China's air force, including its J-20 stealth fighter jets. However, the United States has not agreed to provide Taiwan with its most advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-22 or F-35. Under U.S. law, Washington must provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. However, the United States and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations. China has repeatedly called on the United States to stop selling weapons to Taiwan. Beijing considers U.S. arms sales to the island a violation of its sovereignty claims. The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrival of the new F-16s. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington remained committed to its relationships across the Indo-Pacific when asked about the fighter jet delivery. "We continue standing with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values — that includes Taiwan," the spokesperson said.