Taiwan (AFP) - Taiwan received its first two American-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday, as part of the democratic island's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities with the aim of deterring any possible Chinese attack.

Published on: 02/10/2026 - 06:40

An Agence France-Presse correspondent reported that the two fighters landed at a Taiwanese Air Force base in Taitung, on the southeastern coast of the island, at noon (04:00 GMT).

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened to use force to control it, and Beijing also opposes US arms sales to the island.

These two aircraft are part of an $8 billion deal that includes 66 F-16V aircraft, a deal that was approved during the first term of US President Donald Trump and was scheduled to be delivered this year.

The arrival of the two planes comes at a time when Taiwan awaits Washington's approval of a separate arms deal worth $14 billion.

© 2026 AFP

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