Second batch of three F-16V jets to arrive soon: Koo

FLIGHT TRACK: Military enthusiasts have recently photographed three of the Block 70 jets taking off from Lockheed Martin’s factory in South Carolina

The second batch of three F-16V Block 70 jets purchased from the US is expected to arrive in Taiwan soon, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters before a legislative meeting, Koo said the ministry would provide further information on the exact arrival time, but did not elaborate.

Military enthusiasts have recently photographed three F-16V Block 70s — numbered 6729, 6731 and 6732 — taking off from Lockheed Martin’s factory in South Carolina.

A handout photo made available by the Military News Agency shows an F-16V Block 70 jet taking off from an airbase in Taitung County on Oct. 2.

Photo: Hotli Simajuntak, EPA

A source familiar with the matter said earlier this week that the three aircraft were indeed part of Taiwan’s procurement from the US.

They will follow the same route as the first batch of two Block 70 jets delivered to Taiwan on Oct. 2, stopping in Hawaii and Guam after departing Texas before flying to Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County, the source said.

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