Taiwan has received its first two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the United States. The jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung on October 2.

The two single-seat F-16Cs, serials 6727 and 6728, are the first factory-new fighters delivered to Taiwan in 25 years. They flew in via Hawaii and Guam.

So what are F-16V Block 70 jets? They are the newest version of Lockheed Martin’s F-16. They carry upgraded radar, avionics, and weapons systems. The V stands for Viper, the jet’s nickname.

Taiwan ordered 66 of them in 2019 under an 8 billion dollar deal. The purchase will take its F-16 fleet past 200 aircraft. Deliveries were delayed by software and production issues.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo said more jets will arrive before the end of the year. President Lai Ching-te thanked the US for its support.

Why does it matter? Taiwan faces daily military pressure from China, which claims the island. The jets strengthen air defences. But a separate 14 billion dollar arms package remains on hold in Washington.