TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Air Force celebrated a historic transition at Gangshan Air Base (岡山基地) on Tuesday (Aug. 5) as the domestically developed T-BE5A Brave Eagle advanced trainer jet officially became the new performance aircraft for the prestigious Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team (雷虎小組). The sleek, twin-seat jet replaces the aging AT-3 Tzu Chiang trainers that had served as the team's demonstration aircraft for decades, symbolizing the modernization efforts within Taiwan's military aviation program.
The Thunder Tiger Team's seven-decade history reflects Taiwan's evolving air defense capabilities, having flown six different aircraft models since its formation during Cold War tensions in 1954. Taiwan's fighter pilots established the aerobatics squadron while maintaining combat readiness during frequent aerial confrontations across the Taiwan Strait with Chinese forces. The team's creation received crucial backing from Air Force Commander Wang Shu-ming (王叔銘), who recognized the value of demonstrating Taiwan's aerial prowess.
The aerobatics team made its inaugural public appearance on Aug. 14, 1954, Taiwan's Air Force Day, with four F-84G Thunderjets performing precision maneuvers over Taipei. This display significantly lifted national spirits during a tense geopolitical period. The squadron received its formal designation as the Republic of China Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team in December 1956. Through subsequent decades, the team transitioned through several frontline fighter aircraft including the F-86F Sabre, F-5A Freedom Fighter, and F-5E Tiger II jets.
The team underwent a significant operational restructuring in 1988 when Air Force Command Headquarters reassigned performance responsibilities to elite flight combat instructors based at Taiwan's Air Force Academy. This transition coincided with the introduction of the indigenous AT-3 Tzu Chiang trainer aircraft to the demonstration repertoire. Air Force officials indicated the newly integrated Brave Eagle will enable development of more complex aerobatic routines, maintaining the Thunder Tigers' role as a visible embodiment of Taiwan's advancing military aviation capabilities. ◼