The military has continued its search for a missing air force pilot following a mid-air collision between two F-5E fighter jets four days ago. That was the word from Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng on Thursday.
The collision took place during a training mission on Monday afternoon off the coast of southeastern Taiwan. Four F-5E fighter jets were participating in the mission. Two of the jets collided shortly after 3 pm and disappeared from radar screens. Both of the pilots ejected from their planes following the collision. The accident left one pilot dead and another missing.
Chiu said an aviation safety body is investigating the cause of the accident, adding that the air force will speed up its plan to replace ejection seats, originally scheduled for next year.
Chiu also said he has demanded that the armed forces step up their training as “military readiness shouldn’t be ignored”.