Taiwan China Conflict: Taiwan has officially received the first of its first two new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets built by the United States, signalling the start of deliveries under an $8 billion agreement for 66 aircraft. The fighter jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung after years of delays. It comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei.
Taiwan China Conflict: Taiwan Receives Delivery of First F-16V Fighters From US
On Friday, October 2, the first two F-16V Block 70 aircraft touched down at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung. These represent the initial deliveries of Taiwan’s 2019-approved order from the United States for 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets.
The jets were built by the US defence contractor Lockheed Martin. The agreement is worth roughly $8 billion, and once all the new jets arrive, Taiwan’s F-16 fleet is anticipated to grow to over 200 aircraft. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te hailed the arrival of the F-16V jets and expressed gratitude to the US.
Taiwan China Conflict: Why Did the F-16V Fighters Arrive Late?
The F-16V programme saw considerable delays relative to the original delivery timeline. Taiwan’s order received approval in 2019, and deliveries were initially anticipated to occur sooner. Delays were driven by production and supply-chain problems, as well as difficulties with software and system integration.
In March, Taiwan’s defence ministry stated that Lockheed Martin was carrying out extensive flight testing and adjustments to make sure the aircraft met the necessary standards prior to delivery. To reach Taiwan, the aircrafts ventured through a route that included Hawaii and Guam.
Taiwan China Conflict: How Many Fighter Jets Will Taiwan Receive?
Under a programme worth roughly $8 billion, Taiwan has placed an order with the United States for 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, according to British news agency Reuters. As per the latest available update, only 2 of those have been delivered. Taiwan’s defence minister Wellington Koo said that the arrival of other fighter jets is expected.
The new aircraft will be added to Taiwan’s current F-16 fleet. Taiwan has also brought older F-16A/B aircraft up to the F-16V standard, which provides its air force with more fighters fitted with modernised avionics and other systems.
Taiwan China Conflict: Capabilities of the New F-16V Jets
The F-16V Block 70 represents an upgraded variant of the F-16 multirole fighter. This aircraft features modern avionics, radar, and weapons capabilities.
The new jets come fitted with the AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array, or AESA, radar. Compared with older mechanically scanned radar systems, this system delivers improved detection and tracking capabilities. They are also capable of countering aircrafts like China’s J-20 stealth fighters.
Taiwan China Conflict: Chinese Authorities Response
China has not responded to the arrival of the F-16V fighter jets in Taiwan from the US. But in the past, it has additionally cautioned about what it characterizes as interference by foreign parties in the Taiwan matter. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) considers Taiwan to be an overseas Chinese territory. Some reports also state that Xi Jinping has previously urged American counterpart Donald Trump to not provide weapons to Taiwan.
