Two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets acquired by Taiwan from the United States unexpectedly returned to Hawaii shortly after they had taken off, potentially leading to further delays in their delivery. The aircraft, identified by their serial numbers 6727 and 6728, had departed from Hickam Field in Hawaii but turned back to land at the same location. The cause of this abrupt return remains unclear.
Taiwan has placed an order for 66 F-16 C/D Block 70 aircraft, which are intended to bolster the defense capabilities of its eastern region. These jets are designated for Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County, where they will be operated by the Air Force’s 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. The initial plan involved flying the jets from Hawaii to Guam for refueling and resupply before proceeding to Taiwan. The journey from Hawaii to Guam is estimated to take approximately eight hours and 20 minutes, while the subsequent leg from Guam to Taiwan takes about four hours and 40 minutes.
The first of these aircraft was anticipated to arrive in Taiwan this week. However, the delivery, initially scheduled for 2023, has already been postponed due to issues related to the relocation and restart of the production line, compounded by supply chain disruptions.
The remaining jets from this order are slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028, extending the timeline for the full deployment of these advanced fighter aircraft in Taiwan’s military strategy.