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2021/03/24
Clarification is made with regard to the media report that the "Air Force is desperate to replace ejection chairs, but replacement should take as long as a year."

In response to the media report that "the Air Force is desperate to replace ejection chairs, but replacement could take as long as a year," the Air Force Command clarifies today (24) that the content of said report was inconsistent with the facts and clarifies as follows:

  1. The replacement plan with the new-style ejection seat for Air Force F-5 fleet was launched right after the "1029 Project" in 2021. Actually, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) approved the project on March 19 (2021) and has appropriated more than NT$780 million to support the operation of maintenance costs from 2021 to 2023. As such, the media has reported wrongly for it indicated the budget was approved after the flight accident on the 22nd, which is not factual, and the Command hereby clarifies the situation. Furthermore, the Command plans to complete the signing of the contract in June and will speed up the acceptance and take-over of the seat replacement operation. After the fleet is eliminated, relevant ejection seat equipment will be incorporated into the subsequent design and planning of the new aircraft for operation.
  2. The investigation of the flight accident is carried out based on the "Air Force Flight and Ground Safety Instruction Model," while the committee panel will incorporate other flight professionals as well as invite the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB), Civil Aeronautics Administration, MOTC, and civil scholars and experts to serve as its appointed members. Related investigation procedures are conducted in accordance with current practices of TTSB of the Executive Yuan and those of overseas. Since the matters involve classified information and can only be de-classified after approval, all requests for disclosure for inspection can be met after applications are rendered and reviewed. Furthermore, the Air Force will clarify for the outside world non-classified information in due time in order to realize the administration according to law.
  3. At present, the focus is placed on the full-scale search and rescue to find the missing personnel. As for related possible causes, they are to be further searched and investigated by the special investigation team. The Command hopes that our nationals will gather all efforts and strength to cheer for the pilot, Captain Pan, and urges the outside world to refrain from speculation as they continue with their support for the Armed Forces, which are well determined to strive hard in their training of combat readiness to ensure national security.