Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Wu Shu-wei, Taipei, June 15) Reports have emerged that the first F-16V fighter jet purchased by Taiwan from the U.S. military may have begun its flight back to Taiwan from the United States. The Air Force Command stated today that the procurement of F-16V Block 70 fighters from the U.S. is currently progressing fully with acceptance and preparation work according to the U.S. Air Force's schedule, and that the U.S. side is being managed to conduct fighter delivery flights back to Taiwan at planned program milestones.

Today, social media user taxiwaymike shared photos of an F-16V Block 70 fighter with tail number '6831' on Instagram, marking the location as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, Texas. This twin-seat F-16V with tail number '6831' is the first aircraft delivered from Taiwan's order of 66 F-16V Block 70 fighters from the United States. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin held a rollout ceremony for the first aircraft in March last year.

The photos posted by taxiwaymike show the '6831' F-16V Block 70 equipped with three external fuel tanks and a cargo pod, sparking public speculation about whether the aircraft is already en route back to Taiwan.

In response to inquiries from CNA, the Air Force Command stated that the acceptance and preparation of the F-16V Block 70 fighters procured from the U.S. are being fully advanced according to the U.S. Air Force's plan, and that the U.S. side is being managed to execute the fighter delivery flights back to Taiwan at scheduled program milestones.

The Air Force also stated that matters concerning the fighter delivery and return are sensitive and, as per precedent, will not be commented on.

An informed source told CNA that the currently delivered F-16V Block 70 fighters still require acceptance and preparation work, and that the timing for the fighters to fly back to Taiwan is 'not that soon.' (Edited by Lin Ko-lun) 1150615

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan