Taiwan is preparing to receive its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter aircraft following significant delays that pushed deliveries beyond the original 2023 schedule.The aircraft were recently observed leaving Lockheed Martin’s facility in South Carolina before traveling to Guam. They are expected to continue toward Chihang Air Force Base in Taitung when weather conditions permit. After arrival, the aircraft will undergo ground inspections and conversion training before entering operational service.Lockheed Martin is scheduled to complete deliveries of the remaining aircraft by 2028. The new fighters are expected to join Taiwan’s 7th Tactical Fighter Wing in the eastern part of the island.Taiwan’s F-16 FleetThe Republic of China Air Force currently operates 150 F-16A/B aircraft acquired during the 1990s. These fighters underwent modernization to the F-16V Block 20 standard between 2016 and 2023.In August 2019, the US approved a proposed $8 billion foreign military sale covering 66 F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft and associated equipment.The new fighters are equipped with capabilities including active electronically scanned array radars, F110 engines, and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities. These systems are intended to improve Taiwan’s ability to monitor and respond to growing regional air threats.The first deliveries were initially expected in 2023. However, supply-chain difficulties, manufacturing delays, and software integration issues shifted the arrival of the first aircraft to 2026.
