The first two F-16V BLK70 fighter jets arrive in Taiwan Lai Qingde: Investing in national defense is investing in peace

President Lai Ching-te posted on Facebook today that the first two F-16V BLK70 fighter jets we purchased from the United States have arrived in Taiwan. Welcome new forces to join the ranks of defending the airspace across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding freedom and peace! He also pointed out that these new fighters are equipped with advanced radar and avionics systems, which can improve their ability to detect threats and grasp air situations. They will also use the training and maintenance experience of the existing F-16 fleet to gradually form a more complete air defense capability.

Lai Qingde said that these new fighters are equipped with advanced radar and avionics systems, which can improve their ability to detect threats and grasp air situations. They will also use the training and maintenance experience of the existing F-16 fleet to gradually form a more complete air defense capability. He would like to thank the air force officers and soldiers, as well as all personnel from both Taiwan and the United States involved in this mission, and also thank the U.S. government for its long-term support in improving Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and continuing to deepen Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation.

The president said that in the face of continued intrusions by Chinese military aircraft around the Taiwan Strait, air force officers and soldiers remained at their posts day and night and shouldered heavy combat readiness tasks. The government has the responsibility to enrich the national military equipment and support officers and soldiers in fulfilling their mission of protecting the country. These new fighters are equipped with advanced radar and avionics systems, which can improve their ability to detect threats and grasp air situations. They will also use the training and maintenance experience of the existing F-16 fleet to gradually form a more complete air defense capability.

Lai Ching-te also emphasized that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the government's unswerving goal; strengthening national defense will increase the cost of using force to invade Taiwan, reduce the risk of miscalculation and conflict, and make peace more secure.

The president said that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are related to global security and prosperity. Recently, many European and Indo-Pacific countries have once again expressed their support for peace across the Taiwan Strait; the United States has also reiterated that it will work with Indo-Pacific partners, including Taiwan, to promote security. Taiwan will fulfill its responsibilities of self-defense, deepen cooperation with countries with similar ideals, and jointly maintain regional stability.

President Lai also said that after the first batch of F-16V BLK70s are delivered, the government will continue to monitor the progress of subsequent delivery, implement equipment preparation and training, so that the national defense investment can become a solid force for defending the country. Investing in national defense is investing in peace. Let us support the national army together, protect Taiwan's democracy and freedom, and let the people live in peace of mind.