Taiwan has developed the key components needed to deliver its indigenously produced advanced trainer jets on time, according to the island’s defence ministry.
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The production of 66 T-5 Brave Eagle trainer jets, a key element of Taiwan’s defence programme, is aimed at improving pilot training for advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-16V, in response to growing military threats from Beijing.
However, shortages of imported system components over the past year had delayed production, preventing the government-backed Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) from meeting its 2024 delivery schedule, the defence ministry said on Thursday.
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Donald Trump declines to say if US would defend Taiwan against mainland China attack
Donald Trump declines to say if US would defend Taiwan against mainland China attack
According to a report submitted to the legislature, AIDC was originally set to deliver 47 jets to the air force by the end of last month but had only delivered 43, leaving it four aircraft behind schedule.
“Delays in the delivery of imported system components have caused setbacks, and the air force is actively coordinating with suppliers to keep deliveries on track,” the ministry said.
Seven key components were identified as being in short supply: the engine, environmental control system, canopy explosive release system, landing gear, hydraulic oil tanks, wheel well actuators and emergency ram air shut-off valves.
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To address these shortages, the military-backed National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology – Taiwan’s top weapons builder – collaborated with AIDC to develop three key components locally: the hydraulic oil tank, wheel well door actuator and emergency ram air shut-off valve, the ministry said.