2021/03/31
Clarification is made in response to media reports that "F-5 fighter jets are still flying when warning lights are on," and "the government is withholding money for ejection seats."
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In response to media reports that "F-5 fighters are still flying with warning lights on" and "the government begrudges spending the money for ejection seats," the Air Force Command refutes today (31) that any flight training must be carried out in proper and available conditions of the aircraft before the Command allows the go-ahead for flying, and aircraft are in no way approved to fly with failures. Furthermore, the plan of "new ejection seat replacement" has long been implemented. As such, false comments made by the outside world have, in reality, brought about a second injury to the family members of the pilots and affected the morale of the Armed Forces. The Command has thus expressed condemnation and regret for such reports.
The Air Force Command states that the plan for new ejection seat replacement for the Air Force F-5 fleet was actually launched right after the "1029 Project" in 2020, while the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has also approved a budget of more than NT$780 million for appropriation. As such, the Air Force can accelerate the acceptance for the seat replacement operation.
The Air Force Command emphasizes that, in addition to the full-scale search and rescue of the missing personnel, “Tian-an Special Inspection” for F-16 and other major fighters has been completed, and the aircraft has been approved to resume flight missions, while F-5 aircraft will be allowed to fly after the overall safety assessment is provided. The Command urges all our nationals to support the Armed Forces in its firm belief in safeguarding our national security.
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