Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/12/22
By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) The upcoming addition of 66 F-16 C/D Block 70 fighter jets, commonly known as the F-16Vs, to Taiwan's air force, will be posted in eastern Taiwan to boost the military's defense capability against Chinese aircraft carriers, defense specialists told CNA Saturday.

Taiwan announced that day that it officially sealed the F-16V deal with the U.S. earlier this month after the two sides signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the procurement project.

Military officials said the U.S. is expected to deliver one F-16 C Block 70 (single-seater) and one F-16 D Block 70 (two-seater) in 2023 for testing. Formal deliveries of all 66 of the aircraft to Taiwan will be completed in 2026.

A military source told CNA Saturday that the addition of the 66 F-16Vs will bring the Air Force's fighter jet muster to 350.    [FULL  STORY]