Taiwan received its first US-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday as the island democracy upgrades its military capabilities to deter a potential Chinese attack.
The warplanes are part of an $8bn deal for 66 F-16Vs approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term and scheduled for delivery this year.
The arrival of the aircraft comes as Taiwan awaits Washington’s approval of a separate $14bn arms package that Trump paused after Chinese objections.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.
The two F-16Vs, made by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, touched down under a clear sky at Taiwan’s air force base in Taitung, on the island’s southeast coast.
The jets had been expected in early September after making refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam.
Local media reported that the planes had turned back to Hawaii shortly after taking off for Guam.
This post was originally published on this site.
