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.
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.
