Taiwan on Friday received the first two US-made F-16V fighter jets as part of efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and deter any potential Chinese attack, amid Beijing’s continued opposition to US arms sales to the island.
First two fighter jets arrive at Taitung air base
The two fighter jets landed at noon, corresponding to 04:00 GMT, at a Taiwanese air force base in the city of Taitung, on the island’s south-eastern coast, according to an Agence France-Presse correspondent at the site. The aircraft are part of an $8 billion deal to supply Taiwan with 66 fighter jets of the same type.
The deal was approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term, with delivery of the aircraft scheduled for this year. The arrival of the first batch comes amid continued tensions between Taiwan and China, which considers the island part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control of it.
Beijing also opposes supplying Taiwan with US weapons, as Taipei seeks to develop its defensive capabilities. As delivery of the fighter jets under the deal begins, Taiwan is awaiting Washington’s approval of a separate arms deal worth up to $14 billion, as part of the island’s plans to strengthen its military capabilities.
