Taiwan has officially received the first of the advanced F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States (US). The delivery ceremony took place at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, with the attendance of Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Defense Po Horng-huei and Taiwan’s Representative to the US, Alexander Yui.
Delivery Ceremony and Initial Statements
The event was announced through photos shared on social media by US Congressman William Timmons. In his post, Timmons stated, “We are proud to be the global hub of the F-16 and to support Taiwan’s air defense capabilities.”
The delivered aircraft, a two-seater F-16D model with tail number 6831, is the first of 66 F-16V (Block 70) fighter jets approved for sale to Taiwan under a Foreign Military Sales agreement authorized by former US President Donald Trump in 2019. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, all aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Technical Features of the F-16 Block 70
The F-16 Block 70 variant stands out with its advanced radar systems, next-generation mission computers, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and structurally reinforced design for increased durability. Taiwan’s new D-model aircraft is equipped with the AN/ALQ-254(V1) “Viper Shield” electronic warfare suite and standard 600-gallon external fuel tanks. Additionally, it features Martin-Baker US18E ejection seats.
Defense Strategy and Future Plans
Taiwan’s Minister of Defense, Wellington Koo, had previously confirmed that a deputy minister would attend the delivery ceremony in the US but had not disclosed further details to the public.
The F-16 Block 70 program is seen as a crucial part of Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its deterrence against potential aerial threats. With this new delivery, the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is preparing to integrate next-generation fighter jets into its inventory while upgrading its existing fleet of F-16 Block 20 aircraft to a similar configuration.
