Taiwan Intensifies Search for Missing F‑16 Pilot
The aircraft was engaged in a routine nighttime training exercise, and more than 40 hours have passed since the incident, military officials said.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo dismissed speculation that a malfunction in the jet’s Modular Mission Computer was responsible. Preliminary checks “showed no system malfunction or overload in the three months prior to the incident,” Koo told reporters. He emphasized that investigators would rely on flight data and operational evidence rather than conjecture, and promised to brief lawmakers once findings are available.
A day earlier, Taiwanese Air Force Colonel Chou Ming‑ching had suggested the jet went missing due to a failure in its main onboard computer.
Search operations remain difficult due to rough sea conditions near Hualien County. Authorities have deployed 30 aircraft sorties and two drones, while the navy and coast guard have sent 22 vessels to locate Air Force Captain Hsin, who has not yet been found.
Taiwan first signed a deal with the United States in 1992 to acquire 150 F‑16 fighter jets. The first two aircraft were delivered from the US to Taiwan and assigned to Chiayi Air Base.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
