The first two F-16V Block 70 jets Taiwan purchased from the US were spotted unexpectedly turning back after departing from Hawaii yesterday, potentially further delaying delivery of the aircraft.Taiwan has purchased 66 of the F-16 C/D Block 70 jets to be deployed at Chihhang Air Base (志航基地) in Taitung County and operated by the air force's 7th Tactical Fighter Wing to defend Taiwan’s eastern region.Two single-seat jets, bearing serial No. 6727 and 6728, were spotted taking off from Hickam Field in Hawaii yesterday, observers said.
F-16V jets are pictured in an undated photograph.
Based on the precedent set during the delivery of Taiwan's older F-16 Block 20s, the new jets were expected to fly to Guam for resupply and wait for a window to fly to Chihhang Air Base.The flight from Hawaii to Guam takes about eight hours and 20 minutes, while the leg from Guam to Taiwan takes about four hours and 40 minutes.
However, eyewitnesses saw the two jets turn back and land at their point of origin shortly after taking off for unknown reasons.Delivery had been anticipated for this week.They were initially expected to be delivered in 2023, but the schedule was delayed due to the relocation and restart of the production line and supply chain disruptions.The rest of the jets are scheduled to be delivered next year and in 2028.
