India, Oct. 3 -- Taiwan has officially received the first of its first two new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets built by the United States, signalling the start of deliveries under an $8 billion agreement for 66 aircraft. The fighter jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung after years of delays. It comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

Taiwan Receives Delivery of First F-16V Fighters From US

On Friday, October 2, the first two F-16V Block 70 aircraft touched down at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung. These represent the initial deliveries of Taiwan's 2019-approved order from the United States for 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets.

The jets were built by the US defence contractor Lockheed Martin. The agreement is worth...