Brand-new F-16V fighter jets delivered to Taiwan from US｜Formosa English News

Bilingual text here: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026A02W02EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description 雙語文字版: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2026A02W02EA?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description Our official website: ➔ https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/ Follow us on Facebook: ➔ https://www.facebook.com/ftvformosanews X (Twitter): ➔ https://x.com/FTV_Taiwan_News On Friday, Taiwan welcomed the first delivery of the 66 F-16 fighter jets purchased from the US, under the “Peace Phoenix Soaring” project. The aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery starting in 2023. But the first two F-16s only arrived in Hawaii mid-August, and after a month-long stop there, they finally arrived in Chihhang Air Base in Taitung this afternoon. This marks Taiwan’s first delivery of brand-new fighter jets in 30 years. Let’s hear more. The thundering sound of engines pierced the sky as two F-16 fighter jets touched down at the Air Force base in Taitung. Military enthusiasts outside the restricted area got a front row seat to this spectacle. Military enthusiast Watched the F-16 arrival 30 years ago, in 1996, I went to the US for training, also in a F-16. It’s been 30 years. Enthusiasts were thrilled to see the fighter jets as this marked the first time in nearly 30 years that Taiwan’s Air Force received brand-new fighter jets. Under this project, 66 F-16 fighter jets were purchased from the US, a purchase that was only approved in 2019 when Trump took office. Delivery was originally scheduled for 2023, but various delays resulted in only two aircraft departing from the US earlier this year. They officially landed in Taitung’s Air Base today, after spending a month in Hawaii. Voice of Lieutenant General Yu Te-chung Taiwan Air Force The Air Force will carry out equipment acquisition and training according to plan, and gradually advance preparations to ensure that combat capabilities are formed. Wellington Koo Minister of National Defense Of course, we won’t have only these two by year-end. I think subsequent deliveries will be planned in conjunction with the US. As for the electronic warfare system, I believe the manufacturer is already conducting some related hardware and software tests, because this new aircraft needs to be integrated with our existing ones. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said there will be more deliveries this year. The single-seat F-16Vs’ serial numbers are 6727 and 6728 of the F-16C/D Block 70, they have an extended service life of up to 12,000 flight hours, 50% greater performance than their predecessors. The new aircraft also integrates the APG-83 radar, upgraded mission computers, and avionics architecture. The manufacturer claims that this provides at least 40 years of service life for most air forces. Regarding compensation for the delayed delivery, a DPP legislator stated that they are currently negotiating with the US. Wang Ting-yu Legislator According to international arms sales regulations, there are no penalties for delays in deliveries between governments. Given the significant delay, our Air Force and Ministry of National Defense have protested to the US government, hoping to receive some compensation. The first delivery of the F-16s has significantly enhanced Taiwan’s airspace defense capabilities. For more Taiwan news, tune in: Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152 Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53 #fighterjet #taiwanmilitary #F16 #aircraft #jet #USmilitary #arms #台灣新聞 #FormosaEnglishNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan