The United States is expected to finalize the delivery of the first 10 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Taiwanese Air Force by the end of the year

The United States is expected to finalize the delivery of the first 10 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Taiwanese Air Force by the end of the year


Based on recent reports, the United States is expected to finalize the delivery of the first 10 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets to the Taiwanese Air Force by the end of the year. These combat aircraft are part of a broader acquisition of 66 new units aimed at strengthening and modernizing the Taiwanese Armed Forces.


Taiwan’s Air Force is undergoing a modernization process of its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet, structured around two agreements with the United States. First, under the Peace Phoenix Rising program, 144 F-16A/B Block 20 fighters were upgraded to the Block 70 Viper standard. According to announcements made in 2023, the modernization was completed with a total of 139 jets upgraded, as operational accidents reduced the number of aircraft since the agreements were signed.

Second, to replace several aircraft models in service, such as the Mirage 2000, Taiwan also ordered 66 new F-16 Block 70s, to be produced by Lockheed Martin in the United States. Due to various issues, the delivery schedule faced delays and rescheduling. The first aircraft were originally expected to be delivered in 2024, but this has not occurred so far.

However, hopes were renewed just a few months ago when Lockheed Martin unveiled the first new F-16 Block 70 for Taiwan’s Air Force during a ceremony. At the time, a photograph shared by William Timmons, Republican Congressman for South Carolina’s 4th District, showed the first aircraft— a two-seater bearing the number “6831”.


Now, nearly two months later, Taiwan’s Liberty Times has reported that the first F-16 Block 70 is getting closer to delivery, along with nine additional units, all expected to arrive before the end of the year. The full order is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The aircraft are expected to fly directly from the U.S., transiting via Hawaii and Guam before arriving at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung. Along the way, they will be refueled mid-air by U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft, with each jet expected to be refueled between 18 and 20 times during the transpacific journey.

Additionally, reports indicate that the new fighters will be stationed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung and assigned to three squadrons under the restructured 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. Combined with the 139 modernized F-16V Block 20s, Taiwan’s Air Force will have an expanded fleet of 205 aircraft.

You may also like: Finally, Lockheed Martin presented the first of the 66 new F-16 Block 70 fighters of the Taiwan Air Force

ETIQUETASF-16 Block 70Taiwan

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