Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
66 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft were ordered by Taiwan in 2019. (Photo: Richard Gonzales/USAF )
Taiwan has received its first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, a two-seated F-16D model, from Lockheed Martin, with the US holding a ceremony for the aircraft at Lockheed’s site in Greenville on 28 March.
The US agreed a Foreign Military Sale with Taiwan worth US$8 billion for 66 F-16 Block 70/72 ‘Viper’ aircraft in November 2019. Deliveries of all 66 aircraft are expected to conclude by 2026, the Taiwan Ministry of National Defence said.
In a post on X, US Congressman William Timmons said: “It was an honour to speak today at Lockheed Martin in Greenville for the F-16 Taiwan delivery ceremony.
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
-
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
-
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
-
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.