The defense ministry says the air force needs sophisticated missile launch pads. The military made the statement at a forum on indigenous aircraft Friday.
Defense ministry official You Yu-tang said Taiwan must take control of the development of its locally built aircraft and that Taiwan has both the talent and the technology.
You said sophisticated missile launch pads, not fighters with the most cutting-edge features, are what the air force needs.
“[We] want to build launch pads for defense needs and we built what we want. It’s not necessary to spend an astronomical figure building fighters with mind-boggling functions like developed countries are doing and [later] find that we cannot afford to maintain them," said You.
"You know that the logistics and maintenance for F-35 fighters is a major headache. To be free of the control of others and not fall victim to rip-offs, we must have confidence in our own ability.”
You said the military’s goal is for the country to build its own aircraft in their entirety.
Also at the forum, Deputy Defense Minister Bo Hong-hui said the air force needs 66 jet trainers in the next 12 years, which represents a great opportunity for Taiwan’s aviation industry.