Greenville, January 1 - In a significant milestone for the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), Lockheed Martin has initiated flight testing of the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet destined for Taiwan's fleet of 66 new aircraft. This development, occurring at the company's Greenville, South Carolina facility, marks tangible progress in a long-awaited program aimed at bolstering Taiwan's aerial defense capabilities. The inaugural flight, lasting approximately 50 minutes, follows successful ground taxi tests and represents a critical step toward certification and eventual delivery, expected to commence in 2026.
The acquisition of these 66 F-16C/D Block 70 fighters, also known as F-16V variants, stems from a 2019 foreign military sale valued at around $8 billion. Designed as the most advanced iteration of the iconic Fighting Falcon, the Block 70 incorporates cutting-edge features such as the AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and conformal fuel tanks for extended range. These enhancements enable superior all-weather targeting, improved survivability, and integration with modern precision-guided munitions, making the F-16 Block 70 a formidable multirole platform in contemporary air combat scenarios.
This new-build fleet complements Taiwan's existing 139 upgraded F-16A/B aircraft, modernized to the same F-16V standard under the Peace Phoenix Rising program completed in 2023. Together, the combined force will exceed 200 advanced F-16V fighters, forming the backbone of the ROCAF's tactical aviation. The new jets are particularly intended to replace aging Mirage 2000 fighters, addressing maintenance challenges and ensuring sustained operational readiness amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Despite earlier production delays attributed to supply chain issues and facility transitions, Lockheed Martin's accelerated efforts, including extended shifts, have positioned multiple airframes on the assembly line, with flight testing now underway. This advancement underscores the strategic importance of the F-16 Block 70 in enhancing Taiwan's air superiority and deterrence posture, paving the way for full fleet integration in the coming years.
