Taiwan: two fighters collided, the pilot died

Reuters reported that two Taiwanese fighters crashed on March 22, killing one pilot and losing one pilot.

According to the Taiwan Rescue Command Center, two Taiwan Air Force F-5Es, each with a pilot, crashed into the water off the southeast coast of the island after colliding in midair during a mission to training.

An air force helicopter, a coast guard and a lifeboat were dispatched to search for the pilots.

The Taiwan Defense Agency has yet to release an official comment.

Taiwan’s official news agency (CNA) said the island’s air force allowed the F-5 squadron operating from Chihhang Air Base to land on the ground to ensure safety.

Taiwanese F5-E fighter jet. Photo: Military Watch Magazine

US-made F-5 fighters first entered service in Taiwan in the late 1970s. Most were withdrawn from front-line operations, but some were still used for main squadron training and reserve.

Last October, a Taiwanese F-5 crashed and killed the pilot. A month later, a more modern F-16 crashed off the east coast of Taiwan, killing the pilot.

Notably, in January last year, a senior Taiwanese military official was one of eight killed after the helicopter carrying them visiting soldiers crashed in a mountainous area near Taipei.

Past incidents have raised concerns about training and maintenance, as the Taiwan Air Force is under pressure ahead of Chinese flights near the island.

The Taiwan Defense Agency has warned that Chinese aircraft, including drones (UAV), are constantly entering Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Area (ADIZ).