Taiwan's air force has received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, a boost for the island's defenses against Chinese military pressure.

• The two jets landed at Taitung's Chihhang Air Base after a long ferry flight from Texas, via Hawaii and Guam with multiple mid-air refuelings.
• The defense ministry released aerial photos and video of the arrival, with the new jets flying in formation alongside older F-16Vs and homegrown Brave Eagle trainers.
• The 66-jet purchase from the U.S. costs Taiwan roughly NT$247 billion, spread across budgets through 2026.
• It is the first time in years that Taiwan's air force has taken delivery of a brand-new fighter type.

Outlook: The rest of the 66 jets are due over the next few years, with more deliveries expected to draw sharp objections from Beijing.