Taipei, 2 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Taiwan has received the first two of 66 new F-16V fighter jets ordered from the United States in 2019, strengthening its air force amid growing military pressure from China. The aircraft arrived at Taitung Air Base on Taiwan’s mountainous east coast after months of delays, with Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo saying additional F-16Vs would arrive before the end of the year. The United States approved an $8 billion sale of the fighter jets to Taiwan in 2019, a deal that is expected to increase the island’s F-16 fleet to more than 200 aircraft. Deliveries have been delayed by issues including software problems. The F-16Vs feature upgraded avionics, radar and weapons systems designed to improve Taiwan’s ability to respond to advanced Chinese aircraft, including J-20 stealth fighters. Taiwan completed an upgrade programme for its existing F-16 fleet in 2023. The latest delivery comes amid concerns in Taiwan over delays in US arms supplies and uncertainty surrounding Washington’s future military support. The United States is legally required to provide Taiwan with means to maintain its self-defence, although Washington and Taipei do not have formal diplomatic relations. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly urged the United States to stop arms sales to the island. A US State Department spokesperson said Washington continued to stand with its friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, to advance shared security and prosperity. Taiwan has sought advanced military equipment as it faces increasing activity by China’s armed forces around the island.