Stories
Taiwan Bolsters Defenses with First F-16V Fighter Jet Deliveries Amid China Threat
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CNBC TV18•02-10-2026, 14:46
Taiwan Bolsters Defenses with First F-16V Fighter Jet Deliveries Amid China Threat
- •Taiwan received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, part of a 2019 order for 66, to strengthen its air force against China's military.
- •The delivery to Taitung's Chihhang Air Base follows months of delays and comes amid concerns about US commitment to arming Taiwan.
- •President Lai Ching-te thanked the United States for its support, highlighting the jets' importance in enhancing Taiwan's air defense capabilities.
- •The new F-16Vs feature advanced avionics, weapons, and radar systems designed to counter the Chinese air force, including its J-20 fighters.
- •The United States, bound by law to provide Taiwan with self-defense means, continues to support Taiwan despite Beijing's objections to arms sales.
Key Questions Answered
Taiwan ordered a batch of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets in 2019 as part of an $8-billion sale approved by the US.
The first two newly arrived F-16V fighter jets touched down at Taitung's Chihhang Air Base on Taiwan's mountainous east coast after flying via Hawaii and Guam.
The delivery of the aircraft faced months of delays due to issues such as software problems as well as technical snags, weather conditions around Hawaii, and the complexity of long-range ferry flights.
