Taiwan is set to bolster its air defense capabilities by constructing 26 additional fortified aircraft shelters, as it anticipates a significant increase in its F-16V fleet. Following the delivery of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets from the United States, the total number of these advanced aircraft stationed along Taiwan’s east coast is projected to reach between 110 and 120. The new jets are slated to be based at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County, complementing the existing F-16V Block 20s currently operating out of Hualien County.
To safeguard this expanding fleet, the air force plans to invest over NT$6.88 billion from 2027 through 2031 to construct new shelters at both Hualien and Taitung. The infrastructure project will see 22 shelters built in Hualien and four in Taitung. Additionally, five general aircraft hangars, along with supporting facilities for transport aircraft, will be developed at Hualien. The initial phases, including project management, surveying, and design, are scheduled to commence in 2027. Detailed design and contracting will follow in 2028 and 2029, with construction anticipated to begin in 2030 and conclude in 2031.
This development aligns with the air force’s strategy of a “one aircraft, one shelter” policy, aimed at enhancing the survivability of Taiwan’s fighter jets amid potential military conflicts. The shelters are designed to enable the dispersion of aircraft to fortified locations in Hualien and Taitung, thereby helping maintain Taiwan’s combat preparedness and its ability to conduct interception, suppression, and homeland defense operations. The new facilities are expected to offer enhanced protection against explosive assaults, ensuring more fighter jets remain functional in the event of an unexpected attack.
In the broader context of national defense, President William Lai has called on military leaders to stay abreast of rapid technological advancements and shifts in the global security landscape. He highlighted the necessity of bolstering joint operations, developing asymmetric capabilities, and planning for future defense needs, with a particular emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence as a strategic tool. Furthermore, Lai underscored the ongoing need for military readiness and sustained investment in national defense, asserting that stronger defense capabilities are crucial for maintaining peace and safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty.