Taiwan’s air force resumed flights of its locally made Brave Eagle training jets after grounding them for safety checks in February. The grounding followed a crash on February 15 involving dual engine failure. The pilot ejected safely, but efforts continue to search for flight recorders to clarify the cause.
The Brave Eagle, Taiwan’s first domestically made advanced jet trainer, had its first test flight in 2020. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to develop a home-grown defense industry, the island still relies heavily on U.S. arms sales to bolster its security capabilities against potential threats from China.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island in recent years. This pressure includes conducting fighter jet and warship incursions, which experts describe as grey-zone tactics to exhausting Taiwan’s armed forces. These tactics have raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.
The resumption of Brave Eagle flights marks a significant step in Taiwan’s efforts to maintain its defense readiness. The air force and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, which manufactures the aircraft, conducted joint safety inspections of the fleet before allowing flights to resume. The Brave Eagle fleet is expected to be crucial in training Taiwan’s pilots and enhancing the island’s overall defense capabilities.
As Taiwan continues to face increasing military pressure from China, its reliance on U.S. arms sales remains critical to its defense strategy. The United States has consistently provided Taiwan with defensive weapons, in line with the Taiwan Relations Act, to help the island maintain its security and deter potential aggression from China.
In conclusion, the resumption of Brave Eagle training jet flights highlights Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining its defense capabilities amid growing military pressure from China. The island’s reliance on U.S. arms sales and its efforts to develop a home-grown defense industry are essential components of its strategy to ensure its security and sovereignty.
