Taiwan receives first two F-16 Block 70 jets from US amid China tensions

Taiwan is on the cusp of receiving the first two of 66 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States, a delivery that has faced significant delays. These advanced aircraft are slated to arrive at Taitung Air Base in eastern Taiwan, potentially as early as August 27, weather permitting. The jets, piloted by U.S. personnel, are equipped with conformal and external fuel tanks to extend their range for the trans-Pacific journey.

“

As a fifth-generation stealth fighter, the J-20 is designed for low observability and long-range combat, equipped with advanced sensors and long-range air-to-air missiles.

The procurement, approved by Washington in 2019, has been hampered by production line relocations, supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, software issues, and flight testing challenges. Originally scheduled for delivery starting in 2023 and completion by the end of this year, the timeline has been substantially pushed back. Lockheed Martin is reportedly working on a two-shift schedule to manage global backorders for the 46 single-seat and 10 twin-seat F-16V Block 70 aircraft Taiwan is acquiring.

“

Whether the F-16V can effectively counter the J-20 depends less on a one-on-one comparison and more on Taiwan's ability to integrate ground and air sensors, data links, electronic warfare, and air defense systems to locate and engage targets.

These new jets will be operated by the Air Force's 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, responsible for defending Taiwan's eastern airspace. Once all 66 are delivered, they will join Taiwan's existing 139 upgraded F-16A/B Block 20 aircraft. This expansion will push Taiwan's F-16 total beyond 200, positioning it as one of the world's largest operators of the fighter jet. While the upgraded Block 20s feature modern avionics like AESA radar, the new Block 70s boast a completely new airframe, more powerful engines, and greater potential for future upgrades, including a structural lifespan of 12,000 flight hours compared to the earlier models' 8,000.

“

The AN/APG-83 radar is specifically designed to detect low-observable targets, which can increase the probability of the F-16V detecting Chinese stealth fighters like the J-20 and J-35.

Military experts believe these hardware enhancements are critical for Taiwan to counter China's increasingly capable fighter jets, such as the J-20 and the emerging J-35 stealth aircraft. The AN/APG-83 radar on the F-16V is designed to detect low-observable targets, potentially increasing the chances of spotting Chinese stealth fighters. However, analysts caution that the F-16V, a fourth-generation platform, will not have a definitive advantage against the fifth-generation J-20. Its effectiveness will likely depend on Taiwan's integrated defense systems, including ground and air sensors, data links, and electronic warfare capabilities, rather than a one-on-one comparison.

“

The detection probability is 'over 60%', but actual performance still 'highly depends on distance, angle, electronic warfare environment, and integration with other sensors'.