First Two US-Made F-16Vs Arrive in Taiwan After Trump-Xi Summit
The first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets purchased by Taiwan from the United States have arrived on the island amid growing Chinese military activity. After several months of delays, the two fighter jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on Taiwan’s east coast on Friday, October 2.
The aircraft arrived in Taiwan via Hawaii and Guam. Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would be delivered by the end of the year, but did not provide a detailed schedule. Taiwan is facing growing military pressure from China. Beijing claims the self-governed island as part of its territory, while Taiwan regards the United States as its most important international supporter and arms supplier.
In 2019, the United States approved an $8 billion deal to sell Taiwan 66 F-16Vs made by Lockheed Martin. Once all the aircraft are delivered, Taiwan’s F-16 fleet will exceed 200. However, various problems, including software issues, caused lengthy delays in deliveries.
The new F-16Vs are equipped with advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems. These upgrades are expected to strengthen Taiwan’s ability to counter Chinese fighter jets, particularly J-20 stealth fighters, according to reports. However, the United States has not agreed to provide Taiwan with more advanced fighter jets such as the F-22 or F-35.
The arrival of the first two F-16Vs came about a week after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Washington. Following last week’s meeting, Taiwan’s defence minister said Washington had not informed Taipei of any change in its policy.
Earlier in May, after meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mr. Trump said he was putting on hold a proposed arms package worth nearly $14 billion for Taiwan. However, in December 2025, he approved another arms package for Taiwan worth about $11 billion.
People briefed on US officials’ assessment told Reuters that Washington believes the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is declining. However, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said China’s intention to bring Taiwan under its control by force had not changed.
Under US law, Washington is required to provide Taiwan with the military equipment needed to maintain its self-defence capability. However, the United States and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations. Beijing, meanwhile, has long urged Washington to stop supplying arms to Taiwan.
Source: Reuters
