Taiwan has received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter aircraft from the United States, marking a significant step in strengthening its air defense capabilities amid growing military pressure from China.
The single-seat aircraft, bearing tail numbers 6727 and 6728, arrived at Chihhang Air Base in eastern Taitung County following transpacific ferry flights that included stops in Hawaii and Guam.
The fighters were escorted into Taiwanese airspace by Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers and upgraded F-16V Block 20 aircraft. Following their arrival, the Republic of China Air Force is expected to conduct acceptance testing and begin conversion training for personnel assigned to operate and maintain the new platforms.
The aircraft will be assigned to the newly established 7th Tactical Fighter Wing at Chihhang Air Base. The development also marks a shift in the base’s traditional role as a training facility toward becoming a key operational combat installation.
Taiwan to Receive 66 F-16V Aircraft
The delivery represents the first batch under Taiwan’s NT$247.2 billion ($7.7 billion) “Phoenix Project,” which covers the acquisition of 66 F-16V Block 70 aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
Production and supply-chain challenges delayed the programme, which had originally been scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said additional F-16V deliveries have already been coordinated with Washington, with another batch expected before the end of the year.
Once all 66 new aircraft are delivered and operational, Taiwan’s F-16 fleet will exceed 200 aircraft. This will include the newly acquired Block 70 fighters and 139 legacy F-16A/B aircraft that underwent modernization to the F-16V configuration under a separate upgrade programme completed in 2023.
F-16V Block 70 Capabilities
The F-16V Block 70 incorporates advanced avionics and upgraded mission systems designed to enhance situational awareness, targeting and electronic warfare capabilities.
The aircraft features Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, L3Harris’ Viper Shield electronic warfare suite and a conformal fuel tank configuration intended to increase operational range and endurance.
Power is provided by General Electric F110-GE-129 engines. The aircraft can employ a range of precision weapons, including AIM-120D air-to-air missiles, AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The arrival of the first two Block 70 aircraft marks the beginning of Taiwan’s latest F-16 modernization phase and is expected to strengthen the island’s ability to conduct air defense and precision strike missions as additional aircraft are delivered through the remainder of the decade.
