Taiwan received its first order of the aircraft at a delivery ceremony at Lockheed Martin's manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina. F-16 Block 70 received the fighter jet. Approved by the US Congress in 2019 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Under the program, Taiwan, 66 advanced F-16 Block 70 aircraft This delivery is a significant milestone for Taiwan, F-16 Block 70 (Viper) It was recorded as the first delivery of the aircraft.
Delivery Ceremony and Participants
Delivery of first F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, Taiwan Deputy Minister of Defense Po Horng-huei and Taiwan's representative to the United States Alexander YuiIt was held with the participation of US Congressman William Timmons, announced this historic moment by sharing photos of the delivery of the aircraft on its social media account. F-16 Block 70, Taiwan's air defense capabilities is seen as a critical step towards development efforts.
Advanced Features of F-16 Block 70
The F-16 Block 70 aircraft includes a range of advanced technologies and equipment. The aircraft, upgraded radar systems, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, new mission computers ve improved structural life Equipped with modern features such as. The model number of the aircraft delivered to Taiwan 6831 It is, F-16D It is a double-seater version. This aircraft also has AN/ALQ-254(V1) “Viper Shield” electronic warfare suite ve 600 gallon external fuel tanks added. Found on the plane Martin-Baker US18E ejection seats is of great importance in terms of safety measures for pilots.
Taiwan's Air Defense Strategy
The delivery of the F-16 Block 70 has even greater strategic importance for Taiwan. In recent years, Taiwan has China's military threats aims to increase air defense capabilities against. Defence BlogAccording to , with this delivery, the Taiwanese Air Force will be able to F-16 Block 20 will strengthen its defense capacity by adding newer F-16 Block 70 aircraft to its inventory, in addition to its aircraft fleet. The F-16 Block 70 is Taiwan's China's threats It is considered one of the cornerstones of efforts to achieve air superiority against
US Support for Taiwan
The United States continues to play a major role in Taiwan’s defense procurement. Its support for Taiwan, particularly advanced fighter jets and air defense systems, has helped strengthen relations between the two countries. defense cooperation an indicator. Lockheed Martin's facility in Greenville, South Carolina, F-16 Block 70 As the global production center of the series, To other customers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia also carries out deliveries of this series.
All Aircraft to be Delivered by 2026
First delivered to Taiwan F-16 Block 70 aircraft, is just the beginning. Taiwan has ordered 66 aircraft, Until the end of 2026 Taiwan's Ministry of Defense believes that these aircraft will significantly increase air defense capabilities and F-16 Block 70 series will play a critical role in Taiwan's future air superiority.
