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Taiwan’s F-16 Block 70 fighters remain in Hawaii past late August target

The two single seat F-16Cs arrived in Hawaii on August 21 but did not complete their planned onward legs after attempted departure steps were aborted, leaving their delivery timeline uncertain.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

Lawrence Chung in Taipei, citing reporting from SCMP Economy, says Taiwan’s first two F-16 Block 70 fighters purchased from the United States are still in Hawaii, even though they were expected to reach Taiwan’s Chihhang Air Base in late August.

According to SCMP Economy, the aircraft, F-16C single seat models numbered 6727 and 6728, were spotted preparing to depart from Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam on Monday, but witnesses said they taxied toward the runway before returning to the apron, and apparently did not leave Hawaii.

The outlet reports the fighters arrived in Hawaii on August 21 after departing the continental United States with aerial refueling support from US Air Force KC-135 tankers. The planned next steps were to continue to Guam after refueling and servicing before making the final leg to Taiwan.

SCMP Economy adds that neither the US side nor Taiwan’s air force has publicly explained why the aircraft have been held up for more than two weeks, with speculation among military and aviation enthusiasts that technical problems may have emerged.

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