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Taiwan received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the United States on October 2, 2026, beginning deliveries under an $8 billion deal approved in 2019 after several months of delays.

The aircraft arrived at Chihhang Air Base on Taiwan’s mountainous east coast near Taitung as Taipei continues to strengthen its air force amid frequent Chinese military activity around the island.

The two aircraft flew to Taiwan via Hawaii and Guam and landed at about noon local time. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te described the delivery as an important development for the island’s air defense capabilities and thanked the United States for its support.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would arrive soon, although he did not provide a specific delivery schedule. The new aircraft are expected to eventually expand Taiwan’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 aircraft.

Deliveries Begin After Delays

The F-16V Block 70 aircraft are part of a 2019 U.S. sale of 66 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin. The deal, valued at about $8 billion, was approved as Taiwan sought to modernize its fighter fleet and improve its ability to respond to growing military pressure from China.

The deliveries were delayed by several months, with software-related issues among the problems affecting the program. The arrival of the first two aircraft now marks the beginning of the delivery phase for the new jets.

NEW: Taiwan received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the U.S. in 2019, after months of delays caused partly by software issues.

The $8 billion deal will bring Taiwan’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 aircraft.

Taiwan’s defense minister said more… pic.twitter.com/Qsw5GAkh3g

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 2, 2026

Koo said aircraft were continuing to move through the production process and that some had already completed testing. He indicated that Taiwan would receive additional aircraft before the end of the year, without providing a precise number.

The delivery comes as Taiwan’s air force regularly scrambles aircraft in response to Chinese military aircraft operating near the island. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China’s territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Koo said China’s intention to annex Taiwan by force had not changed. Taiwan has continued to increase spending on its own military capabilities while relying on U.S. arms sales for major weapons systems.

Delivery After Trump-Xi Meeting

The arrival of the F-16Vs comes about a week after U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, adding attention to the timing of the delivery.

Taiwan has expressed concern in recent months about the pace and future direction of U.S. arms deliveries. Washington has said there has been no change in its policy toward Taiwan and continues to describe the island as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Trump said in May that he was holding a new $14 billion arms package for Taiwan in abeyance after meeting Xi in Beijing. His administration had previously approved an $11 billion package for Taiwan in December 2025.

The United States is required under its laws to provide Taiwan with the means to maintain its self-defense capabilities, although Washington and Taipei do not have formal diplomatic relations.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the United States continued to work with partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific and that Taiwan was included in that approach.

Beijing has repeatedly called on Washington to stop selling weapons to Taiwan. China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the arrival of the new F-16Vs.

Advanced F-16V Capabilities

The F-16V Block 70 is an upgraded version of the F-16 fighter, with improved avionics, radar, and weapons systems. Taiwan’s aircraft have received upgrades designed to improve their ability to detect and respond to modern aircraft and other threats.

The upgraded fighters are expected to strengthen Taiwan’s existing F-16 fleet, including against China’s increasingly advanced air force. Chinese forces operate modern aircraft such as the J-20 stealth fighter, while Taiwan does not operate the U.S. F-22 or F-35.

The F-16V therefore represents an important modernization of an aircraft type already familiar to Taiwan’s air force. Once all 66 new fighter jets are delivered, Taiwan’s total F-16 fleet is expected to exceed 200 aircraft.

The aircraft will add to Taiwan’s existing fighter fleet, which also includes domestically produced aircraft and other U.S.-supplied fighters. Taiwan has been working to maintain its air capabilities while facing increasingly frequent Chinese military activity around the island.

Taiwan Expands Domestic Defense Programs

Taiwan’s military modernization effort extends beyond fighter aircraft. The island is also developing a domestic submarine program intended to eventually produce eight submarines.

The first vessel, known as the Narwhal, was originally expected to be delivered to the navy in 2024 but has faced delays. Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation, which is responsible for building the submarines, said the vessel was undergoing final testing.

CSBC chairman Chen Jeng-horng said the submarine was in the final stage of testing but did not give a specific date for its delivery to the navy.

The submarine program is Taiwan’s first attempt to design and build its own submarines. It has involved expertise and technology from several countries, including the United States and Britain.

The program forms part of Taiwan’s broader effort to develop domestic military capabilities while continuing to purchase major weapons systems from the United States.

US Support Remains Central

The arrival of the F-16Vs highlights the continuing role of U.S. weapons deliveries in Taiwan’s military modernization. At the same time, delays in several weapons programs have created concern in Taipei over how quickly approved systems can reach the island.

The new fighters are expected to strengthen Taiwan’s air force as it responds to frequent Chinese military activity. Their advanced radar, avionics, and weapons systems are intended to provide a modernized capability within a fighter fleet that already forms an important part of Taiwan’s air defense structure.

Washington has continued to provide Taiwan with weapons and military support while avoiding the transfer of its most advanced fighter aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35.

The arrival of the first two F-16V Block 70 aircraft marks the start of a major fighter delivery program that will continue as additional aircraft complete production and testing. The remaining jets are expected to arrive in stages as the program progresses.