Taiwanese-Made Military Jet Crashes due to "Dual Engine Failure"
Incident Report
A Taiwanese-made military training jet, the Brave Eagle, crashed on Saturday due to "dual engine failure", with the pilot, Major Lin, safely ejecting from the aircraft. The incident occurred at 8:40 am (0040 GMT) after taking off from Chih Hang Air Base in southern Taitung county.
Pilot’s Condition
The pilot, Major Lin, was rescued and taken to hospital where he was in "good health" with no injuries, according to the air force’s statement.
Investigation
The air force has launched a special task force to investigate the cause of the crash, with a focus on ensuring training safety.
Taiwan’s Defence Industry
Taiwan has a homegrown defence industry, which has been upgrading its equipment, but it still relies heavily on US arms sales to bolster its security capabilities against a potential Chinese attack. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.
The Brave Eagle
The Brave Eagle was made by Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp and had its first test flight in 2020. The pilot of the aircraft that crashed on Saturday had 183 flying hours, the air force said.
Recent Incidents
In September, Taiwan temporarily grounded its fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters for safety checks, after a jet crashed into the sea. Taiwan’s Mirage 2000 fighters were purchased in 1992 from France in an arms deal that angered China. They are still a core component of the island’s ageing fleet, which also includes F16 fighter jets from the United States, and locally built Indigenous Defence Fighters.
Pressure from China
Taiwan’s military is under pressure from China, which has in recent years ramped up incursions by fighter jets and warships around the island. Military experts describe these actions as "grey-zone tactics" designed to exhaust the island’s armed forces.
Recent Incursions
In the 24-hour period ending 6:00 am on Saturday, 19 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, one official ship, and one balloon were detected around the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry said.
Government Response
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, President Lai Ching-te said he hoped the opposition-controlled parliament would remedy the sections of the defence budget that have been frozen or cut to show "our full support for the military".
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of Taiwan’s military equipment, particularly in the face of growing tension with China. The government’s response to this incident will be closely watched, as it seeks to balance its military preparedness with the need to address public concerns about the country’s defence budget.
FAQs
- What was the cause of the crash?
The crash was caused by "dual engine failure". - What was the condition of the pilot?
The pilot, Major Lin, was rescued and taken to hospital where he was in "good health" with no injuries. - What is the current state of Taiwan’s military equipment?
Taiwan’s military equipment is a mix of homegrown and imported, including F16 fighter jets from the United States, and locally built Indigenous Defence Fighters. - How has China reacted to the incident?
There has been no official statement from China on the incident, but its recent actions around the island, including incursions by fighter jets and warships, have raised concerns about Taiwan’s military preparedness.