Two F-16V fighter jets stranded in Hawaii for over a month took off and returned to Taiwan today

The two F-16Vs that have been stranded in Hawaii for more than a month are now reportedly flying to Taiwan. The picture shows the F-16V BLK70 with flight number 6727 that has been stranded in Hawaii for more than a month. (Picture taken from Wang Dingyu’s Facebook)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] my country's purchase of 66 F-16V Block70 fighter jets from the United States has been delayed so far. At the beginning of last month, it was reported that two F-16Vs took off from Hawaii and came to Taiwan, but then returned and were stranded in Hawaii for more than a month. Legislator Wang Dingyu said that the two F-16Vs had taken off today and would return to Taiwan in the next one or two days.

Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Dingyu broke the news on Facebook today that two F-16Vs that were reportedly stranded in Hawaii for more than a month have taken off for Taiwan today and will return to Taiwan in the next one or two days.

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Wang Dingyu said that the delivery of 66 brand-new F-16Vs was delayed due to the integration of new systems. Although international arms sales stipulate that arms purchases are "government-to-government" transactions, and there are no penalty items even if there is a breach of contract, the Taiwanese government has repeatedly fought and protested to the United States, hoping to use "non-cash" compensation methods. For example, the U.S. manufacturer will increase the number of spare parts when providing initial backup parts for two years, or extend the warranty time. The U.S. government is currently negotiating with U.S. manufacturers, and the negotiation process is progressing smoothly.

The two F-16V BLK70 single-seat fighter jets stranded in Hawaii are numbered 6727 and 6728. If the previous experience of receiving F-16 BLK20 is followed, these fighters may first fly to Guam for repairs and then wait for an opportunity to return to Taitung Zhihang Base. It takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes to fly from Hawaii to Guam, and about 4 hours and 40 minutes to fly from Guam to Taiwan.