Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Taiwan Receives First Two F-16V Jets Amid China Tensions
Taiwan received two new fighter jets from the United States.
They are the first of 66 F-16V jets that Taiwan ordered.
The planes arrived at an air base in Taitung after traveling through Hawaii and Guam.
They have better computers, radar, weapons and engines than older F-16s.
Their delivery took longer than expected because of software and production problems.
Taiwan wants the jets to help defend against China’s military.
China says Taiwan belongs to it and opposes US weapons sales to the island.
The United States says it continues to support Taiwan and its partners.
Taiwan is also waiting to learn whether a separate $14 billion weapons package will be approved.
Taiwan received its first two US-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on October 2, 2026.
The aircraft are the first of 66 Lockheed Martin jets ordered in a $8 billion deal approved in 2019.
The delivery was delayed for months by software and other production-related issues.
The upgraded fighters feature advanced avionics, weapons, radar and engine capabilities for Taiwan’s air defense.
Taiwan is awaiting a decision on a separate $14 billion arms package that President Donald Trump has held in abeyance.
- Who
- Taiwan, the United States, China, Lockheed Martin, Donald Trump, Lai Ching-te and Wellington Koo are central to the report.
- What
- Taiwan received the first two of 66 US-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.
- When
- The jets arrived on Friday, October 2, 2026, after months of delays.
- Where
- They landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung, on Taiwan’s mountainous east coast.
- Why
- Taiwan is acquiring the aircraft to strengthen its air defenses amid frequent Chinese military activity and the potential threat of an attack.
Taiwan and United States Position
China and Delivery Concerns
Purpose of the fighter jets
Taiwan and United States Position
Taiwan and the United States present stronger defense capabilities as necessary to help Taiwan respond to China’s military pressure and protect its security.
China and Delivery Concerns
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly urged the United States to stop supplying weapons to the island.
Threat assessment
Taiwan and United States Position
Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo said China’s intention to annex Taiwan by force has not changed, while the new jets are intended to improve Taiwan’s ability to counter Chinese aircraft.
China and Delivery Concerns
People familiar with US officials’ thinking told Reuters that a Chinese invasion before 2028 is increasingly unlikely, although the long-term dispute remains unresolved.
Future arms support
Taiwan and United States Position
Taiwan is seeking the separate $14 billion package, and a US State Department spokesperson said Washington continues to stand with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners.
China and Delivery Concerns
Trump’s decision to hold the package in abeyance, reportedly as leverage in dealings with China, has raised concerns in Taiwan about delays and the reliability of future US arms support.
- Aircraft received
- Two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets
- Total order
- 66 aircraft
- Sale value
- $8 billion
- Order approval
- 2019
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Arrival location
- Chihhang Air Base, Taitung
- Separate arms package
- $14 billion, held in abeyance by President Donald Trump
- Additional deliveries
- Taiwan’s defense minister said more aircraft would arrive before the end of 2026, but gave no number
Sources
Taiwan gets first 2 of 66 US F-16V fighter jets after months of delays amid China threat
Taiwan’s first two F-16V fighter jets arrive to bolster defences against China
Taiwan receives first F-16V fighter jets from US amid China tensions
First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defences against China
