Two F-16V multirole fighter jets landed at Chihhang Air Base on Taiwan island this afternoon, completing their journey from the US with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam.

Wellington Koo, head of Taiwan's defense agency, stated that the island will soon receive more F-16V fighter jets but did not provide details. "Of course, we will not only receive these two this year", he said.

F-16V fighter jets landing in Taiwan on 2/10. Video: CNA

When asked to comment on the arrival of F-16V fighter jets in Taiwan, a spokesperson for the US Department of State said that the US would "continue to stand with friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to advance prosperity, security, and shared values, including Taiwan".

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not yet commented. China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and has repeatedly urged the US not to supply weapons to the island.

The F-16V is the most advanced variant of the US-made F-16 fighter jet series, and it is also the most modern combat aircraft in Taiwan's defense forces.

US-made F-16V fighter jets landing at Chihhang Air Base in Taiwan on 2/10. Photo: CNA

The F-16V variant incorporates modern technologies such as the AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a new generation modular mission computer, and numerous cockpit enhancements that allow pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously. It also features the Viper Shield electronic warfare suite.

Pilots are also equipped with a helmet-mounted targeting system, which enhances the combat capability of AIM-9X heat-seeking missiles.

Taiwanese officials signed a 3,96 billion USD contract with US corporation Lockheed Martin in 2018 to upgrade 141 F-16A/B fighter jets to the F-16V standard between 2018 and 2023. In late 2020, both sides agreed to an 8 billion USD deal to procure an additional 66 newly manufactured F-16V fighter jets.

Taiwan commissioned its first F-16V squadron in late 2021, an effort to counter the increasing threat from modern Chinese air force aircraft, including the J-20 stealth fighter jet.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the first newly built F-16V fighter jet for Taiwan in 3/2025, but various issues, including software glitches, caused delivery delays.

Taiwanese F-16 fighter jets performing a demonstration flight in 10/2024. Photo: AFP

The two F-16V aircraft arrived in Taiwan amid growing concerns from the island's authorities regarding US security commitments, despite repeated assurances from President Donald Trump's administration that its policy remains unchanged. The two sides do not have diplomatic relations, but US law mandates that the country provide defense articles to Taiwan for its self-defense.

In May, after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, President Trump announced that he had not approved a new 14 billion USD arms deal for Taiwan, although a separate 11 billion USD package was approved in 11/2025.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, Focus Taiwan)