Taiwan is finally getting the first of its new American fighter jets, a boost for the island's defenses as China keeps up military pressure.

• The first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets left the U.S. and are flying across the Pacific to Taiwan.
• Taiwan spent about NT$247 billion on the order, which was supposed to be fully delivered by the end of this year.
• Delays came from moving and restarting the Lockheed Martin production line and supply chain problems; the plant is now running two shifts, up to 20 hours a day.
• Taiwan has already upgraded its older 140 F-16s to the same V standard.
• The delivery lands during Taiwan's annual war games, which this year included an anti-blockade drill with the Navy and Coast Guard and a simulated defense of the tunnel route into Taipei.

Outlook: The rest of the 66 jets should arrive over the coming months, though the pace depends on whether Lockheed Martin can keep production running at full speed.