Taiwan completes F-16 upgrade programme as delivery timeline of new jets remains in doubt
Lockheed Martin has been wrestling with a backlog of 128 fighters which was set to increase to 148. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Taiwanese air force has completed its six-year-long F-16 upgrade programme as the country awaits delivery of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.
The Republic of China Air Force’s (ROCAF’s) F-16 Phoenix Rising upgrade programme has come to an end after six years. A successful flight testing on the last of its fourth-generation fighters that had been upgraded to F-16V standard marked the completion of the upgrade programme.
Under the improvement efforts, all 141 remaining ROCAF F-16s were upgraded from F-16A/B to F-16A/B Block 72 V – except the one that had to be written off after a crash on 11 January 2021.
Taiwan is set to become the largest Asian F-16 fighter operator. The island nation ordered 66 F-16Vs from the US
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
![Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028]()
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
