One of the main renewal and capability modernization programs of the Taiwanese Air Force is the incorporation of a total of 66 new F-16 Block 70 fighters. These aircraft, currently being produced in the United States by Lockheed Martin, are intended to become the future replacement for Taiwan’s Mirage 2000 fighters. However, as reported over recent months, the program has faced sustained delays, postponing delivery to the service. For this reason, a series of recently viral photographs offer a glimpse of the definitive start of the delivery schedule, capturing what appear to be taxi tests of the first Viper to roll off the production line located in Greenville, South Carolina.
Years ago, in an effort to modernize its existing fleet of F-16 fighters—originally composed of 144 Block 20 aircraft—Taiwan launched the Peace Phoenix Rising Program, aimed at upgrading these aircraft to the Block 70 standard. This effort, which concluded in 2023 with the confirmation of the upgrade of 139 aircraft—this number reflecting the loss of several airframes in accidents originally included in the program—was in turn complemented by the acquisition of 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 fighters produced in the United States by Lockheed Martin.
As mentioned, this new fleet of aircraft is intended to replace the French-origin Mirage 2000s currently in service with the Taiwanese Air Force, with deliveries initially scheduled for 2024—something that has not occurred, as reported by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense in recent statements.
At the beginning of the year, with the rollout of the first aircraft—an F-16B two-seat variant bearing the serial number “6831”—it was expected that Lockheed Martin would soon begin flight testing and certification for delivery to the Taiwanese Air Force. Nevertheless, once again, delays have prevented this from happening during the current year, forcing a revision of the timeline and now placing the delivery of the first aircraft in 2026.
The situation has escalated across various governmental and legislative arenas in Taiwan, becoming one of the issues repeatedly raised by lawmakers, as noted in early December by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force himself, Lieutenant General Lee Ching-jan, during a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
In this regard, when asked about progress in Viper production, the Air Force Chief stated: “So far, 54 aircraft have entered the assembly line, compared to 50 in October. Progress is accelerating.”
Against this backdrop, in recent days a series of photographs began circulating on social media, showing the aforementioned F-16D “6831” at the Greenville facility, carrying out what appeared to be a runway taxi test. Unfortunately, since the images began circulating, neither Lockheed Martin nor Taiwanese government and military authorities have reported any updates on the matter.
All that remains is to assume that the apparent start of taxi tests—during which various aircraft systems can be tested and evaluated, such as proper engine operation, braking, and avionics systems, to name just a few—bodes well for the upcoming maiden flight of the first F-16 destined to equip the Taiwanese Air Force.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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