TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 10 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets will be flown to Taiwan by the end of 2025, as part of a larger purchase of 66 aircraft from the United States.
Taiwan’s first jet is already off the production line, and deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of this year via direct flights from the US, per Liberty Times. The Air Force anticipates receiving more than 10 jets before year’s end, with the entire order completed by the end of 2026.
Military officials said the jets will follow the same route used for Taiwan’s initial F-16 deliveries in 1997, flying through Hawaii and Guam before arriving at Taitung’s Chihhang Air Base.
Each leg of the journey will involve aerial refueling approximately once per hour. With support from US Air Force tanker aircraft, each F-16V is expected to refuel 18 to 20 times during the trans-Pacific journey.
Delivery is only considered complete after the aircraft arrive safely in Taiwan and pass final testing. Until that point, ownership remains with the US.
While US military pilots will likely fly the aircraft across the Pacific, Taiwan has requested that its own pilots be allowed to ride along in two-seat variants to gain experience with long-distance overwater flights.
The procurement project, budgeted at NT$247.228 billion, runs from 2020 to 2026. With the first jet completed and delivery preparations underway, Taiwan is entering the active phase of the acquisition.
Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan (李慶然) said on June 11 that Taiwan maintains a dedicated on-site monitoring team to oversee production. The manufacturer has also increased production line staffing to accelerate output.
As a result, the Air Force is optimistic about accepting ownership of at least 10 aircraft this year. Full delivery of all 66 jets remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026.
Once delivered, the new fighters will be stationed at Taitung’s Chihhang Air Base and assigned to three squadrons under the restructured 7th Tactical Fighter Wing.
Together with Taiwan’s 139 upgraded F-16V Block 20 jets from the “Phoenix Rising” program, the expanded fleet of 205 aircraft will form the backbone of Taiwan’s air defense.
