President Tsai Ing-wen says that Taiwan’s air defenses will be stronger now that the air force has quickened the pace of projects such as the training of F-16V pilots. Tsai was speaking Tuesday while visiting an air force base in the southwestern county of Chiayi.
Last November, the legislature approved a budget for the procurement of 66 F-16V fighter jets from the United States. Taiwan expects to receive the first batch of new jets in 2023, with the last of the fighters coming in during 2026.
Tsai said 23 air force pilots completed a training program last year with help from the United States. She said that seven of them are now qualified instructors as well.
The president urged the air force to stay alert and ensure national security over the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on January 23.