Taiwan has received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighters from the United States, strengthening its combat aviation capabilities amid continued military pressure from Beijing. The single-seat aircraft, carrying tail numbers 6727 and 6728, arrived at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County after transpacific ferry flights that included stops in Hawaii and Guam.Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers and upgraded F-16V Block 20 aircraft escorted the new fighters into Taiwanese airspace. The Republic of China Air Force will now conduct acceptance testing and conversion training before assigning the aircraft to the newly established 7th Tactical Fighter Wing at Chihhang. The base is being transformed from its traditional training role into a primary combat facility.The two aircraft represent the first delivery under the 247.2-billion new Taiwan dollar ($7.7-billion) “Phoenix Project,” through which Taiwan is acquiring 66 Lockheed Martin-built fighters. Production and supply-chain disruptions pushed the delivery schedule beyond the original target of completing the acquisition by the end of 2026.Defense Minister Wellington Koo said further deliveries had been coordinated with Washington, including another batch expected before the end of the year. Once the program is complete, Taiwan is expected to operate more than 200 F-16Vs, combining the new Block 70 aircraft with 139 F-16A/B fighters upgraded under a separate program completed in 2023.The Block 70 incorporates modern avionics, Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 AESA radar, the L3Harris Viper Shield electronic warfare suite and conformal fuel tanks. Powered by General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, the aircraft can employ weapons including AIM-120D air-to-air missiles, AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
