Defense News

In response to media reports that "indicators that look like they came from a jet fleet signaled a warning ...the reason for the crash of the F-16 can thus be attributed to a two-seater that was changed into a single seater", Air Force Command has clarified today (2^nd) as follows:

1. There is absolutely no relationship between the plane crash and the amount of seats. In fact, the aircrew of Command can, regardless of rank, always adapt a singer-seater aircraft to perform various tasks as long as they meet the criteria of a single-seater aircraft for a given mission. Furthermore, all fighter aircraft undergo maintenance and inspection of every single part of the plane before take-off, without which it cannot take off, therefore no aircraft may fly with any failed parts.
2. During the upgrade of Taiwan's F-16 fighters (Project Fengjhan) by the Air Force, all combat readiness, training, and fleet management were appropriately deployed and assigned to perform various tasks in accordance with the relevant plans and regulations. Following the implementation of this project, there was no scenario where the problem of an insufficient amount of fighting aircraft for employment was reported.
3. Regarding the cause of the crash, Command initially concluded that the possibility of it being attributed to a mechanical failure was rather low. This was released during the "Report on the 1117 Special Investigation" press conference. There was the possibility of it being caused by spatial disorientation. At present, relevant possible causes are being compiled and analyzed by the investigation team, and Command urges everyone to refrain from speculation. It also asks our nationals to place their continued support for combat readiness training of the Armed Forces to ensure our national security.