Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1536266
its fully modernized F‑16V fleet. By the close of 2023, with U.S. industry support, Taiwan had upgraded 138 of its original F‑16A/B Block 20 aircraft (delivered between 1997 and 2001) to the latest F‑16V configuration. The question of potential follow‑on orders for Taiwan remains open. In October 2024, the island's defense minister indicated that future multi‑role fighter acquisitions for Taiwan would also originate from the United States. Given prevailing geopolitical considerations, U.S. authorities are unlikely to approve F‑35 Lightning II sales to Taiwan. Consequently, Taiwan continues to rely on F‑16 upgrades and acquisitions to counter the perceived threat from China and to meet its evolving modernization and defense‑expansion requirements. In early April, the United States delivered three additional F‑16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70 aircraft to European allies, dispatching them to both of the program's current recipients on the continent. Two aircraft were delivered to the Slovak Republic—increasing its total fleet to five—and the third was the inaugural Block 70 to enter service with Bulgaria. All three aircraft conducted a transatlantic ferry flight from the United States, with an en route aerial refueling stop at Morón Air Base in Spain, supported by USAF Boeing KC‑135R Stratotankers. Bulgaria's 2019 FMS order for eight F‑16C/D Block 70 aircraft experienced delays due to factors including the COVID‑19 pandemic, with current projections indicating completion of deliveries by the end of this year. A subsequent batch of eight aircraft is planned for procurement in 2026–2027. The first Block 70 delivered to Bulgaria (Bulgarian Ministry of Defense) www.fragoutmag.com