Taiwan is getting upgraded F-16V fighters, a boost for its defenses on the east coast as pressure from China grows.

• The new jets are a more capable version of the F-16V already flying in Taiwan's air force.
• The east coast is the main beneficiary, where Hualien and Taitung bases sit shielded by mountains and serve as Taiwan's fallback air power in a war.
• Better radar, sensors and missiles would let Taiwanese pilots spot and shoot at Chinese aircraft from farther away.
• China has been pushing more flights and ships around the island's east side, so the upgrade lands where the gap was widest.

Outlook: Taiwan's air defense gets stronger in the near term, but Beijing is likely to answer with more pressure of its own.