Taiwan receives its first US-made F-16V fighter jets
The warplanes are part of an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump's first term and scheduled for delivery this year.
Taiwan received its first F-16V fighter jets from the United States on Friday, marking a significant upgrade to the island's military capabilities. The two aircraft touched down at Taitung air force base on Taiwan's southeast coast, as the nation prepares to defend itself against potential Chinese aggression. The F-16Vs are part of a $8 billion deal signed during former President Donald Trump's term and are set to arrive throughout the year.
President Lai Ching-te praised the arrival as a major milestone in enhancing Taiwan's air defense. The jets, manufactured by US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, are a more advanced version of Taiwan's aging F-16 A/B jets, boasting better combat, detection, and engine capabilities. However, the delivery process has faced delays, with some planes returning to Hawaii after an attempt to reach Guam.
Local residents gathered to watch the historic event, expressing hope for improved pilot training to fully utilize the new aircraft.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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