Taiwan receives first F-16V fighter jets from US

Taiwan has received its first two F-16V fighter jets as part of a significant 8-billion-dollar deal finalized in 2019 during the first administration of Donald Trump. The aircraft landed at the Taitung Air Base on October 2, 2026. These fourth-generation multi-role jets are designed to bolster Taiwan’s defensive capabilities against increasing military and economic pressure from China, which views the island as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force for reunification.

The delivery of these two jets marks the beginning of a total order of 66 aircraft. Although production at Lockheed Martin has accelerated, Defense Minister Wellington Koo indicated that completing the full order by the end of 2026 remains unlikely due to initial delays that pushed the delivery past the original September target. This modernization effort complements Taiwan's existing fleet of 141 upgraded F-16 A/B jets, which reached completion in 2023.

Beijing has formally denounced the arms sale, labeling it an interference in its internal affairs and continuing to ramp up military activity in the region. Meanwhile, Taipei remains focused on long-term defense, with an additional 14-billion-dollar US arms package currently awaiting approval to further strengthen its air power.