Taiwan received its first two US-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday, marking the arrival of aircraft from an $8 billion deal for 66 upgraded fighters approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term. The jets landed at an air force base in Taitung, on Taiwan’s southeast coast, as Taipei continues efforts to strengthen its military capabilities amid tensions with China.

The two aircraft, manufactured by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, arrived after earlier delays. They had initially been expected in September following refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam, but local reports said the aircraft returned to Hawaii shortly after departing for Guam. No official explanation was provided for the earlier delay. The arrival drew local interest, with residents gathering near the base to watch and photograph the fighters.

Taiwan’s F-16V programme forms part of its broader effort to modernise its air force and improve its defensive capabilities. The United States remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier and a key security partner, while Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island. The delivery therefore comes against the backdrop of continuing military and political tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

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Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo has previously acknowledged that completing delivery of all 66 aircraft this year would be challenging because of production and delivery bottlenecks. On Friday, Koo said additional F-16Vs would reach Taiwan before the end of the year, although he did not specify the number. He said aircraft were progressing through production and testing, with further coordination under way with the US over their eventual delivery.

The F-16V deliveries are taking place as Taiwan awaits a decision from Washington on a separate proposed $14 billion arms package. The package has reportedly faced delays following objections from China and includes Patriot air defence systems. Trump had previously described the proposed purchase as a negotiating tool in dealings with Beijing, raising concerns in Taiwan about the timing of US weapons deliveries.

The larger arms package could potentially be divided into smaller purchases to reduce the diplomatic response from China, according to a US official cited in reports. Analysts have also linked the timing of a possible approval to the G20 summit expected in December, where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to receive the F-16Vs already covered under the existing agreement as it works to strengthen its air defence capabilities.

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