Taiwan becomes the fourth recipient of the F-16 Block 70/72 variant, following Bahrain, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. Under a government-to-government agreement signed in 2019, Taiwan ordered 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft, making it the largest customer of this configuration to date.
Lockheed Martin previously completed deliveries to Bahrain, and production is ongoing for orders from Slovakia and Bulgaria. The Taiwanese Air Force currently operates a fleet of upgraded F-16AM/BM aircraft brought to the F-16V standard, which will be complemented by the new-build Block 70 jets.
Taiwan had originally expressed interest in acquiring F-35A fighters, but the United States declined to approve the sale, citing concerns over escalating tensions with mainland China. As a result, Taiwan proceeded with the advanced F-16 variant, which offers modern avionics, improved radar systems, and enhanced survivability despite being a fourth-generation platform.
The delivery schedule was initially planned for completion by 2026, but delays in relocating the F-16 production line from Fort Worth to Greenville have pushed the timeline back by at least two years. Taiwan’s new aircraft are expected to replace ageing Mirage 2000-5 and F-5 Tiger II fighters, strengthening its defensive capabilities.
So far, Lockheed Martin has received confirmed orders for 188 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft. In addition to current customers, future sales may include countries such as Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Colombia, as interest in the proven platform continues to grow.
In October 2024, Taiwan’s Defence Minister announced plans for further combat aircraft acquisitions from the United States. However, due to political sensitivities, approval for more advanced platforms like the F-35 remains unlikely in the near term.
