Taiwan has received the first two of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets ordered from the United States, marking the first delivery in a programme that has been delayed for months and carries considerable political weight in Taipei.

Reuters reported that the aircraft arrived at Chihhang Air Base in eastern Taitung on Friday after flying via Hawaii and Guam. Taiwan’s Central News Agency also reported the delivery, identifying the two aircraft as part of the Peace Phoenix Soaring procurement programme.

The order was approved by Washington in 2019 and is valued by Taiwan at about NT$247.2 billion, or roughly US$8 billion. The new aircraft are intended to expand and modernise an air force that already operates earlier F-16 variants and routinely responds to Chinese military activity near the island.

President Lai Ching-te described the arrival as an important development for Taiwan’s air-defence capability. Defence Minister Wellington Koo said additional new F-16Vs would arrive, without providing a detailed timetable. The delivery had been affected by delays that Reuters said included software issues.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has repeatedly objected to U.S. arms sales to the island. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim and says it must improve its ability to deter coercion and defend itself. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington continued to stand with partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.

The first two jets do not settle the larger question of Taiwan’s readiness. That will depend on the pace of the remaining deliveries, training, maintenance, munitions, integration with surveillance and command systems, and the political choices made in Taipei, Beijing and Washington. What is confirmed is that a delayed programme has moved from contract to delivery.