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World Defense & Security News - Taiwan
 
 
Taiwan plans to buy 66 new jet trainers by 2026
 
Taiwan plans to invest over $2.19 billion in the purchase of 66 new jet trainers by 2026, the National Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology said on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. With this new fleet, the Asian country aims at bolstering defenses against China.
     
Taiwa lans to buy 66 new jet trainers  by 2026 640 001The future jet trainers will replace the ROCAF AT-3 training aircraft fleet
(Source: Internet)
     
"Investing over T$68 billion ($2.19 billion) in new model advanced jet trainers, not only lays the foundation for the development of our future air combat capability, but also lets our aerospace industry continue to develop," Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said at a signing ceremony for the project.

According to Reuters, the jet trainers will be developed jointly by the institute, defense ministry and Aerospace Industrial Development Corp, Taiwan's sole military jet-maker.

Under the terms of the agreement signed by Air Force Commander Shen Yi-ming and National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (CSIST) President Chang Guan-chung , the first prototype of the trainer aircraft is expected to be completed in 2019 and test flights a year later.


By 2026, the fleet of 66 advanced trainers will be delivered to seamlessly replace the military's AT-3 trainer aircraft and F-5 fighter jets, which are over 30 years old, the institute said.

The Island recently started upgrading the first four on 144 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets in service within its Air force.