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Taiwan Bolsters Air Defense with First F-16V Jets Amid China Threat
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Firstpost•02-10-2026, 17:43
Taiwan Bolsters Air Defense with First F-16V Jets Amid China Threat
- •Taiwan received the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the US, ordered in 2019, to strengthen its air force against frequent Chinese military activity.
- •The aircraft arrived at Taitung's Chihhang Air Base after flying via Hawaii and Guam, marking a significant step in bolstering Taiwan's defense capabilities.
- •The delivery comes as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from Beijing, which claims the democratically governed island as its territory.
- •President Lai Ching-te thanked the United States for its support, highlighting the importance of this development for Taiwan's air defense.
- •Taiwan is also pursuing an ambitious domestic defense program, including building eight submarines, with the first, Narwhal, undergoing final tests despite delays.
Key Questions Answered
Taiwan received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets that were ordered from the United States in 2019.
Once all 66 newly ordered aircraft are fully delivered, Taiwan's total F-16 fleet is expected to exceed 200 jets.
Taiwan is pursuing an ambitious domestic defense program that includes building eight submarines domestically, with the first submarine, the Narwhal, currently undergoing final tests.
