In recent days, reports from the United States indicated that efforts are underway to accelerate the delivery of the first F-16V Block 70 fighters for the Taiwanese Air Force (ROCAF) in an attempt to compensate for accumulated production delays. The news comes after the Taipei government expressed concern over possible additional setbacks in the schedule for the incorporation of the aircraft purchased from Washington.
According to information revealed by Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), manufacturer Lockheed Martin is reportedly working against the clock to speed up production of the F-16V Block 70 fighters, which have experienced several months of delays as a result of assembly line relocations and logistical difficulties caused by disruptions in the supply chain.
The first units that the Taiwanese Air Force expects to receive are part of an order for a total of 66 new aircraft, intended to replace older models such as the Mirage 2000 and the recently retired R/F-5 Tiger II used in reconnaissance roles. Moreover, the contract is part of a broader military modernization program for Taiwan, which includes the upgrade of 144 F-16A/B Block 20 fighters to the Block 70 Viper standard under the Peace Phoenix Rising program. According to data from the Ministry of Defense, 139 aircraft were effectively modernized, as some were lost in operational accidents.
The first delivery of the new F-16V fighters was initially scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, with contract completion expected by the end of 2026. However, production suffered repeated delays, leading Lockheed Martin to readjust its manufacturing schedule. It was only in March 2025 that Lockheed Martin officially unveiled the first F-16 Block 70 during a ceremony attended by officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense and members of the U.S. Congress.
Months later, it was reported that the first ten fighters would be delivered by the end of 2025, although authorities in Taipei expressed doubts about meeting that target. On this point, toward the end of October, during a recent legislative session, the Chief of Staff of the Taiwanese Air Force, Lieutenant General Li Ching-jang, acknowledged that “the risk assessment is quite high” regarding compliance with the agreed schedule. Li explained that part of the allocated budget remains in reserve in case the deliveries are not completed within the planned timeframe.
Now, new reports have emerged from the American continent, apparently in response to the delays. According to the information released, the United States has reportedly doubled operational shifts at the Greenville, South Carolina plant where the F-16V fighters are assembled, in order to accelerate production and shorten delivery times. Sources close to the program indicated that more than 50 aircraft are currently in various stages of construction and testing.
Lastly, while awaiting their arrival, some reports suggest that the new fighters will be stationed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung and assigned to three squadrons under the restructured 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. In total, together with the 139 upgraded F-16V Block 20 fighters, the Taiwanese Air Force will field an expanded fleet of 205 aircraft.
