Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Taiwan Grounds F-16 Fleet After Pilot Crash
Taiwan has temporarily stopped using its F-16 fighter jets after one crashed into the sea.
The pilot is missing, and many planes, ships, and drones are searching for him.
The defense minister said the inspection will be done by Saturday and won't affect Taiwan's ability to defend itself.
Taiwan is also buying new F-16V jets to improve its defense against potential threats from China.
Taiwan grounded its F-16 fleet for inspection after a crash on Tuesday.
A search is ongoing for the missing pilot with extensive resources.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo assured no gaps in air defense.
Inspection is expected to be completed by Saturday.
Taiwan ordered 66 new F-16V jets from the US to upgrade its defense.
- Who
- Taiwanese defense forces and search teams
- What
- Grounding of F-16 fleet and search for missing pilot
- When
- Grounding started on Thursday, January 8
- Where
- Taiwan, with search operations near the east coast
- Why
- To inspect the fleet after a crash and locate the missing pilot
- Aircraft Involved
- F-16V
- Pilot Status
- Missing
- Search Resources
- 30 aircraft, 22 naval and coast guard vessels, 2 drones
- Inspection Completion
- Saturday
- Defense Minister
- Wellington Koo
- Air Defense Impact
- No gaps expected
- F-16V Order
- 66 from US
- Threat Perception
- China