Taiwan is finally getting the first of its new American-built fighter jets, a boost for the island's air defense after years of delays.

• Three single-seat F-16V Block 70 jets took off from the Lockheed Martin plant in South Carolina and are heading to Taiwan.
• The planes stopped at a base in Texas first and are due to arrive on the island within days.
• They are the leading edge of a 66-jet order Taiwan placed with the US.
• The delivery lands as China keeps up military pressure around the island.

Outlook: More of the 66 jets should follow in batches, with Beijing likely to protest each arrival.