Key takeaways
Table of Contents
- Taiwan removes his outdated F-5 combat aircraft.
- The country replaces them with modern aircraft such as the F-16V to strengthen air defense.
- Many countriesincluding the United States, still use the F-5. They use them as enemy aircraft during training exercises.
Under increasing military threat of China Put Taiwan his old fleet F-5 combat aircraft permanently aside. The decision fits within a broader strategy to modernize air defense. Taiwan invests in advanced devices such as the F-16V. This reports AP.
Beijing regards Taiwan as an apostate province and threatens a military takeover since the split in 1949.
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The Taiwanese Air Force organized a symbolic farewell flight for the F-5, which has been serving since 1965. Many of the aircraft have been converted over the years into a training, reconnaissance or location plane.
The phasing started already in the 1990s, when Taiwan switched to more modern models such as the American F-16, the French Mirage 2000 and the locally developed Ching Kuo.
An inheritance of speed and maneuverability
For years, the F-5 was the most produced fighter aircraft in the world. It was known for its speed, maneuverability and user -friendliness. Thanks to the low maintenance cost and relatively simple operation, it remained in use for a long time.
At a certain point, Taiwan owned the largest F-5 fleet worldwide, with 336 aircraft. Around hundred of them were even produced on its own soil. Even today, various countries still use the device. For example, the United States uses it as an enemy opponent in air combat training.
Defense against the Chinese mainland
Along the east coast of Taiwan, the F-5’s formed an important immune to Soviet and Chinese combat aircraft for decades. They were protected by natural barriers: the 160 kilometer wide street of Taiwan and the central mountain range of the island. (FC)
