US hands over first two F-16V fighters to Taiwan
8 Video Views·Oct 2, 2026
Taiwan has received its first two U.S.-made F-16V fighter jets as it moves to upgrade
its air defense capabilities amid growing tensions with China.
The delivery is part of an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16V aircraft.
Now, the two F-16Vs made by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin
touched down at the Air Force Base in Taitung, located on Taiwan's southeastern coast.
The aircraft are part of a deal approved during Donald Trump's first term,
and they're expected to significantly upgrade Taiwan's existing F-16 fleet.
The arrival comes as the pair awaits American approval
for a separate $14 billion arms package, which was paused.
Because the threat we face is constant.
The threat from communist China has always been there.
So we must enhance our defense capabilities.
According to Taiwan's defense minister, Wellington Koo,
more F-16V fighter jets are expected to arrive before the end of the year.
However, he did not specify how many aircraft will be delivered.
Koo also said that several F-16Vs are still on the production line,
while others have already passed testing.
The delivery timeline has faced delays, including technical and supply chain issues.
In response to the delay of the new F-16V, I think it's quite normal.
Coming from an aviation background myself,
I understand that there are always unexpected factors that cause delays.
At the end of the day, safety is what matters most.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's Coast Guard responded to Chinese fishing activity near the Dongsha Island.
The Coast Guard said its 4,000-ton Yunlin patrol vessel detected and intercepted two
Chinese fishing boats operating inside Taiwan's restricted waters.
The Coast Guard said one boat left after being
warned, while the other refused repeated radio orders to depart.
After three unsuccessful warnings,
the Taiwan patrol vessel used a water cannon to drive the boat away.
The Coast Guard later provided 35 hot meals to the vessel's crew and towed the fishing
boat out of the restricted area, handing it over to a Chinese work vessel.