The first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets for the Chinese territory of Taiwan landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County on the afternoon of October 2nd, completing their journey from the US via Hawaii and Guam. These are the first two aircraft in a batch of 66 that Washington approved for sale to Taipei in 2019.
Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the island will receive more fighter jets in the near future. "Of course, we won't just be receiving these two this year," he said, adding that several other aircraft are under production and have completed the necessary tests.
The program to purchase 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets is worth approximately US$8 billion, equivalent to 247.2 billion New Taiwan Dollars. Initially, deliveries were expected to begin in 2023 and be completed by 2026, but the program has been delayed due to various technical issues, changes in the production line, and supply chain disruptions.
After receiving all 66 new fighter jets, Taiwan will operate one of the world's largest F-16V forces. The island has now completed an upgrade program for 139 F-16A/B fighters to the F-16V Block 20 standard.
The two new fighter jets will be deployed at Chihhang Air Base, which previously served primarily for training and was once the base for the F-5E/F squadron. The deployment of the F-16V Block 70 will help Taiwan strengthen its air defense capabilities in the eastern part of the island.
Source: https://anninhthudo.vn/dai-loan-nhan-tiem-kich-f-16-hien-dai-nhat-the-gioi-post670657.antd
