The Air Force's first two F-16V (Block 70) fighter jets, procured from the United States, arrived in Taiwan on Friday, October 2. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed that the two aircraft will not be the only deliveries before the year’s end.

Taiwan’s Air Force is procuring 66 F-16V (Block 70) fighter jets from the United States. The first two aircraft, with tail numbers 6727 and 6728, arrived on Friday at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung.

Koo spoke to reporters at the Legislature on Friday and said that the two aircraft will not be the only deliveries before the year’s end. He said more aircraft are currently in production, with some having passed testing. The Defense Ministry will coordinate with the American side on the timing of future deliveries.

Koo also dismissed media speculation that the electronic warfare systems on the two new aircraft are still being fine-tuned, and that “ballast weight” has been temporarily installed in their place. He said the manufacturer is conducting software and hardware testing of said systems, which is expected to be completed soon.