Taiwan receives first 2 F-16V Block 70s

Taipei, Oct. 2 (CNA) Taiwan's Air Force took delivery Friday of the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets purchased from the United States, roughly a month later than initially expected.

The aircraft landed at Chihhang Air Base in the eastern county of Taitung around noon.

The two fighter jets had been expected to arrive in Taiwan by the end of August but remained in Hawaii without explanation as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) in late September.

The U.S. approved the sale of the 66 F-16Vs to Taiwan in 2019. Delivery was expected to begin in 2023 and be completed by 2026, but delays due to technical issues have pushed the timetable back.