First F-16V Block 70 jets arrive in Taiwan as politicians demand a weapons audit
Taiwan's long-delayed US fighter jets are finally landing, but the trickle of deliveries is bad news for Taiwan's defense timeline and the politicians now demanding answers.
- The first two F-16V Block 70 jets are set to arrive in Taiwan, three years behind the original 2023 schedule.
- All 66 jets were supposed to be in place by now — only two are showing up.
- Taichung mayor Lu Shiu-yen wants the government to publish a full list of paid-for weapons that still have not been delivered.
- Taiwan People's Party chair Huang Kuo-chang says the remaining 64 jets need firm delivery dates, plus the matching equipment and ammunition.
- The two appearing together has fueled talk of a joint ticket for Taiwan's 2028 presidential race, though Huang is pointing to the 2026 local elections first.
Outlook: Expect growing pressure on Taipei to press Washington publicly on delivery dates, with the arms backlog becoming a campaign issue ahead of the 2026 elections.