Taiwan’s deputy defence minister attended a ceremony in the United States unveiling the first F-16V fighter jet built for the island, Taipei said Saturday.
Po Horng-huei’s visit comes nearly six years after Washington approved a $8 billion deal for 66 warplanes during US President Donald Trump’s first term.
Lockheed Martin, the US defence contractor building the jets, held the rollout ceremony at its production line South Carolina on Friday.
Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to Washington, also attended the event, Taipei’s defence ministry said.
Taiwan acquired the new fighters to “strengthen the air force’s combat capability and improve joint combat effectiveness,” it said in a statement.
The United States invited Taiwan to the ceremony “not only to showcase the results of fighter jet production but also to demonstrate the US government’s commitment to continue to assist Taiwan in improving its self-defence capabilities,” it said.
The ministry added that it will continue to work with the United States to ensure the new warplanes can be delivered before the end of 2026.
The United States has remained Taiwan’s biggest arms supplier and a key ally despite switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Washington in 1979.
China has repeatedly protested US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
Beijing has stepped up military pressure in recent years, including near-daily air incursions, and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
The entire production of the aircraft is expected to be completed next year and all jets are scheduled to fly back to Taiwan by the end of 2026.
The F-16V — a fourth-generation multi-role fighter — is a significantly upgraded version of Taiwan’s ageing F-16 A/B jets. Taiwan completed upgrades of 141 older F-16s to the V standard in late 2023.
Washington has sold billions of dollars in weapons to Taipei — including fighter jets, missiles, and warships — as part of its commitment to help the island maintain sufficient self-defence capabilities.
