Taiwan’s F-16 Crashes: Questions Raised on US Jets Amid Rising Tensions with China

A Taiwan-operated F-16 fighter jet, manufactured in the United States, crashed late Tuesday evening. The pilot ejected safely over the sea before the aircraft went down. A search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate the pilot.

Following the incident, Taiwan has grounded all its F-16 fighter jets. The decision came after the aircraft, which was on a training mission, went down. Approximately 150 F-16 jets have been prevented from flying until further notice. The pilot, identified as Hasin Yo-Pei, reportedly ejected successfully about 10 nautical miles off the coast. The search continues in the surrounding waters.

The Taiwan Air Force confirmed that the crash occurred on January 6 around 7:29 PM local time. The single-seat fighter had taken off from Hualien Air Base in eastern Taiwan for a routine exercise but disappeared from radar approximately an hour into the flight. President Lai Ching-te ordered a large-scale search and rescue operation following the crash.

US-Made F-16s: Taiwan’s Defensive Backbone

American-made F-16 jets are considered the backbone of Taiwan’s air defense. In recent months, they have played a crucial role in countering incursions by Chinese military aircraft in Taiwan’s airspace. Taiwan initially ordered 150 F-16s from the United States in 1993, with deliveries completed by 2001.

The crash comes amid growing Chinese military activity around the island. Recently, China conducted extensive naval and aerial exercises near Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, and President Xi Jinping has not ruled out using force to assert control. In response, President Lai has reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.

Taiwan’s air fleet also includes domestically developed defense fighters, French Mirage jets from the late 1990s, and F-5E fighters from the 1970s. Analysts warn that incidents like this raise serious security concerns, especially as older aircraft approach the end of their operational lifespan. Meanwhile, Chinese incursions continue to test Taiwan’s air defense readiness, putting additional pressure on the island’s aging fleet.