The Newshound

Taiwan receives first F-16V fighter jets from the US in milestone boost to its defences against China

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te, who hailed the arrival of the first two F-16V jets as "a major milestone in elevating Taiwan's air defence capabilities," with the full order of 66 aircraft due this year.
Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te, who hailed the arrival of the first two F-16V jets as "a major milestone in elevating Taiwan's air defence capabilities," with the full order of 66 aircraft due this year.
Two Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70 fighter jets on the tarmac at Chihhang Air Base, arriving as part of an $8 billion, 66-aircraft deal despite a $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan being placed on hold.
Two Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70 fighter jets on the tarmac at Chihhang Air Base, arriving as part of an $8 billion, 66-aircraft deal despite a $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan being placed on hold.

Two Lockheed Martin F-16V fighter jets have touched down at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung after months of delays, including a mysterious turnaround near Hawaii that was never officially explained. The aircraft are part of an $8 billion deal for 66 jets approved during Trump's first term, with the full order scheduled for delivery this year. President Lai Ching-te hailed the arrival as "a major milestone in elevating Taiwan's air defence capabilities" and thanked the US for its support.

The deliveries come amid Trump's decision to put a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan on hold, following objections from Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory.

Dozens of locals gathered at the perimeter fence to watch the jets land, with one fan travelling through the night from Taichung to photograph the moment.

A former air force serviceman called the jets a vital defensive asset, but a local observer warned Taiwan's most pressing shortage is not hardware but trained pilots.

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