An air force base in Taitung County is set to replace its fleet of F-5 trainer jets starting next year. That was the word Friday from Defense Minister Yen De-fa. Yen was speaking from Taitung County, where he had gone to console the family of an F-5 pilot from the base who was killed in a crash Thursday.
An investigation into the crash has begun, and the air force has temporarily grounded its F-5 jets.
In response to reporters’ questions, Yen said that the replacement of the 33-strong fleet at the base will be a priority, and will take place over the course of three years. He said that the plan to replace the jets is continuing on schedule. He also said that the air force is conducting special safety inspections in the interim, and that it will improve flight safety and maintenance work in the future.
Yen said the F-5 series has been serving in Taiwan’s air force since 1980. He said that Taiwan had the jets’ US manufacturer strengthen the structure of the planes between 1994 and 2000. He said that the jets have yet to reach the end of their useful lifespan, with only 7,825 accumulated flight hours. He also said that 26 countries worldwide continue to use the jets in their militaries.