The next step for the Taiwanese Air Force is to receive 66 brand new F-16 Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to increase its combat fleet further. The program has a cost of $8 billion but is behind schedule—like many other defense programs of the Taiwanese military. 

The Taiwanese Air Force has a credible fleet of combat aircraft. In terms of fighter jets, Taipei bolsters almost 300 aircraft of four types: F-5 Tiger, Dassault Mirage 2000D, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-CK-1 Ching-Kuo. The F-5s are obsolete, and the Taiwanese Air Force is planning on replacing them. 

China's Air Force: An Increasing Threat & the United States 

Over the past couple of years, the Chinese Air Force has conducted increasingly more violations of Taiwanese airspace in a clear message to Taipei. In the event of a conflict, the Taiwanese military would likely be able to put up a fight, but for how long is uncertain.

Overall, the Chinese military is more advanced and has more aircraft. In addition, Taiwan is within reach of Chinese ballistic missiles, further complicating a defensive effort. The Taiwanese Air Force has taken steps, including building underground airfields, to ensure it survives a surprise attack. 

However, that is not enough in the long term. If China to invade Taiwan and force a reunification, U.S. involvement would be key and could tilt the balance toward Taipei. Although Washington has historically kept an ambiguous stance with respect to coming to the defense of Taiwan, letting Taipei fall to China could cause a domino effect in the region, pushing U.S. allies and partners to rethink their relationship with America.

The question of Taiwan is bigger than the small island. Ukraine showed that howsoever big and powerful the adversary, grit, courage, and strong friends can be the best defense.