2020/07/19
The Army Command Headquarters issued a press release regarding the media coverage titled “Establishment of Aviation Special Forces training base in Taitung met with objections”
1. The construction of the new training base of the Army’s Aviation Special Forces stems from the addition of armed forces operating AH-64E and UH-60M helicopters and strategic defense concerns. The new training base in Fengnian Airport, Taitung can be attributed also to the over-driven airspace capacity in Western Taiwan and the rising demand for rescue and disaster relief in the eastern counterpart. As a result, a 5-year manpower reconstruction plan was approved by the Ministry of National Defense (“MND”), which is scheduled to be implemented between 2019 and 2023.
2. The project’s implementation was preceded by multiple information sessions with local government officials, civilian representatives and residents in the adjacent communities, who were briefed by delegated military officials on the importance of the new base. At the invitation of the Taitung government on July 18, 2020, the MND made another presentation in response to inquiries from local residents and their feedback.
3. Despite divergent viewpoints on the project, the MND will continue to keep channels of communication clear to reach consensus on the balanced basis of public opinions and national defense needs. The project is currently being postponed until clear consensus is reached. The MND requests continued support for the military and all the efforts we are committed to for the sake of national security.
An Yang, Lieutenant General of Army Spokesman
0965-295-908