The island of Taiwan marked a significant milestone on Friday, 2 October 2026, when two brand-new F-16V Block 70 fighters rolled onto the runway of Chihhang Air Base in Taitung. The aircraft, delivered by the United States, are the first fresh additions to Taiwan’s fleet of fourth-generation fighters since the original batch of F-16A/Bs arrived in 1997. Their arrival coincided with the high-profile summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the symbolic weight of the delivery.
Both jets, built by Lockheed Martin completed a long-range ferry flight that included refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam before touching down at noon local time (0400 GMT). Although the planes were originally slated for an early-September arrival, a brief return to Hawaii after the first leg delayed the schedule. No official explanation was offered, but the eventual landing attracted a crowd of onlookers equipped with binoculars and long-lens cameras, eager to witness the moment.
Delivery details and public reaction
Local resident Kimi Chi, who travelled overnight from Taichung to capture the event, summed up the sentiment with a familiar adage: “good things take time.” The 37-year-old highlighted the technical leap the new jets represent, noting that Taiwan’s existing fleet will gain a “definite improvement” in capability. Former Air Force member Eric Chan, 57, expressed admiration for the evolution of the platform over three decades, emphasizing that the aircraft will “play a very important defensive role” against potential aggression from the People’s Republic of China.
Strategic significance of the $8 billion deal
The twin deliveries are part of an $8 billion agreement approved during President Trump’s first term, which foresees the procurement of 66 F-16V fighters. Once completed, Taiwan’s total F-16 inventory will exceed 200 aircraft, bolstering its ability to monitor and, if needed, challenge the expanding air capabilities of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force, including its stealthy J-20 fighters. Military analyst Su Tzu-yun of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research remarked that the upgraded avionics, radar and engine performance make the F-16V “a valuable addition to Taiwan’s air force in countering China’s military threat.”
Defense Minister Wellington Koo acknowledges production bottlenecks but remains optimistic. He told reporters that additional jets are already moving through the production line and that more deliveries are expected before the year ends, though he stopped short of giving a precise count. “At present, I think aircraft are gradually moving through the production line, and there are also aircraft that have passed the tests,” Koo said, adding that coordination with the U.S. side continues.
Political backdrop and the pending $14 billion package
While the arrival of the two jets signals continued U.S. support it occurs against a backdrop of diplomatic tension. President Trump has placed a $14 billion weapons package—containing systems such as the Patriot air-defence network—on hold, describing it as “a very good negotiating chip” in talks with Beijing. Analysts suggest that approval may not come until after the G20 summit in the United States in December, where Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet again. A U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated the longstanding policy, stating, “We continue standing with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values — that includes Taiwan.”
