First new F-16V fighter jets to arrive in Taiwan to bolster defenses against China
LMT•The first two of 66 new F-16V fighter jets ordered by Taiwan in 2019 are set to arrive Friday after months of delays. The United States approved the $8 billion sale, and software problems have affected production.
1. First jets arrive
The first two of 66 new F-16V fighter jets ordered by Taiwan in 2019 are set to arrive at Taitung air base on Friday after months of delays. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more new F-16Vs would arrive soon, adding, “Of course we won't only have delivered these two by year-end.”
2. Sale and capabilities
The United States approved the $8 billion sale of Lockheed Martin’s F-16Vs in 2019. The deal would bring Taiwan’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 aircraft, and deliveries have been affected by issues including software problems. The F-16Vs have advanced avionics, weapons and radar systems.
3. Regional tensions
Taiwan’s air force scrambles almost daily to shadow China’s military, and Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to stop arming Taiwan. The United States says there has been no change in its policy toward arming Taiwan, while Taiwan has raised concerns about delays to weapons ordered from the United States.
