US delivers first F-16 fighter jet to Taiwan, strengthening air defence

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence expressed its gratitude to the United States as the first long-awaited 66 F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets was delivered at a Lockheed Martin factory in Greenville, South Carolina.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defense Po Horng-huei and Taiwan's Representative to the US, Alexander Yui. This delivery marks a significant milestone in enhancing Taiwan's air defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via Taiwanese media.

“We are so proud to be the global home of the F-16 and to support Taiwan’s air defence capabilities,” US Representative William Timmons remarked on X, alongside a photograph from the event featuring Taiwanese and US officials.

The F-16C/D Block 70 jets Taiwan ordered are expected to have the same capabilities as aircraft that have been upgraded to the F-16V model. These fighter jets are equipped with advanced systems including AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned arrays, AN/ALQ-254(V)1 all-digital electronic warfare suites, conformal fuel tanks, new mission computers, and upgraded cockpits. These features allow the F-16C/D Block 70 to carry out a range of air-to-air and ground-attack missions.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence highlighted that the delivery is a demonstration of the United States’ commitment to Taiwan’s defence, in line with the Taiwan Relations Act and the “six assurances” that have governed the relationship between the two countries since 1982. The “six assurances” include key principles, such as the US not setting a deadline for halting arms sales to Taiwan or consulting China on those sales.

The F-16s will be deployed by Taiwan's newly established 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed in the island's eastern region to bolster its defence capabilities. As Taiwan continues to modernize its air forces, the delivery of these advanced jets will play a critical role in enhancing Taiwan's ability to defend itself against potential threats.

Although the delivery marks progress in Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its air defence, some experts note that while the F-16C/D Block 70 jets are set to feature advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the first unit delivered may lack the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 suite.

This is due to the recent integration of this technology into the fighter jets, which was demonstrated in Bahrain’s F-16C/D Block 70. If so, Taiwan will need to equip the aircraft with a different electronic warfare suite, such as the ALQ-184(V), until the technology is available.

The US and Taiwan continue to work closely to ensure timely manufacturing and delivery of the remaining jets, addressing production delays that have impacted the procurement process.

By Vafa Guliyeva