TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense showcased the Air Force's F-16V fighter jets at Chiayi Air Base (嘉義基地) on Wednesday (Jan. 28) during a 3-day combat readiness event for local media. The "115th National Military Spring Festival Enhanced Combat Readiness Media Invitation Event," running from Monday (Jan. 27) to Thursday (Jan. 29), highlights the F-16V's capabilities amid rising cross-strait tensions. The Air Force emphasized its commitment to training and airspace defense as Chinese military aircraft continue frequent incursions near Taiwan.
The event marked the F-16V's first demonstration of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, capable of surveillance up to 187 kilometers (116 miles) without triggering radar warnings from Chinese aircraft. Capt. Chen I-tzu (陳怡慈), a female pilot from the Fourth Tactical Fighter Wing, demonstrated her professionalism by swiftly completing pre-flight checks on F-16V No. 6684. The Fourth Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Chiayi, plays a crucial role in Taiwan Strait air defense due to rising threats and frequent Chinese aircraft incursions.
The Air Force Command Headquarters stated that all personnel are dedicated to training and operational duties to ensure the Air Force maintains its combat capabilities. Lt. Col. Shih Shun-te (施順德) highlighted that F-16 pilots maintain readiness to scramble within 6 to 15 minutes for alert missions. The Chiayi Base boasts several female F-16 pilots, with Chou Wan-chun (周琬淳) making her debut during then-President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) visit in April 2019.
Lt. Col. Shih expressed confidence in safeguarding Taiwan's air defense during the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year holiday period, when millions of Taiwanese travel and celebrate. Capt. Huang Jo-i (黃若宜) and Lt. Teng Yung-hsun (鄧詠薰) from the Fourth Wing previously shared their passion for the Air Force in the 2024 "Ju Guang Garden" program. The Air Force continues to recruit and train female pilots as part of its efforts to expand its talent pool and maintain combat readiness. ◼