Taiwan receives first US-made F-16V fighter jets

Taiwan received its first US-made F-16V fighter jets on October 2, as it upgrades its air force amid the threat of a possible Chinese attack.

The two Lockheed Martin aircraft landed at an air force base in Taitung on Taiwan's southeast coast. They 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.

The F-16V is an upgraded version of Taiwan's ageing F-16 A/B jets, with more advanced combat, detection and engine capabilities.

Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more F-16Vs would arrive before the end of the year, but did not say how many. He had previously said it would be challenging for all the aircraft to be delivered this year despite increased production by Lockheed Martin.

The delivery comes while Taiwan awaits US approval of a separate $14 billion arms package. Trump has paused approval after Chinese objections, and a US official said recently it was increasingly likely the package would be broken into smaller amounts to limit China's response.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it. The United States is Taiwan's most important security backer and biggest arms supplier.