A Taiwan Air Force Mirage fighter jet crashed into the sea off the northwest coast of the island during a nighttime training mission on Tuesday night. The pilot successfully ejected and is currently the focus of ongoing search and rescue efforts, according to the Ministry of National Defense and the Central News Agency.
The incident occurred near Hsinchu, a city known for its major air base. The defense ministry reported that the French-built Mirage experienced a suspected loss of power before the pilot was forced to bail out. Search operations are actively underway to locate the pilot.
This crash adds to a troubling trend for Taiwan’s air force, which has faced a series of accidents in recent years. Notably, in 2022, the air force grounded its Mirage fleet after a similar incident involving a crash into the sea off the east coast.
Taiwan received its first batch of 60 Mirage 2000 jets in 1997, and although they have undergone several upgrades, the fleet has seen at least seven aircraft lost in accidents since their introduction.
The air force has been under pressure, frequently scrambling to intercept Chinese military aircraft that have been increasingly active near the island over the past five years. However, officials have stated that the recent accidents are not linked to these intercept activities.
The crash comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Taiwan’s air force grappling with operational challenges and the aging fleet. The military is working to ensure the safety of its operations while addressing the ongoing threats posed by increased Chinese military presence in the area.
