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Crash sparks calls for new jets

"It is ridiculous to continue operating such aircraft, risking the lives of pilots."

Hsueh Ling, Democratic Progressive Party legislator

The fatal crash of an Air Force F-5F plane has sparked concern about the safety of the aging jets and calls for the purchase advanced F-16 aircraft from the US.

The twin-seat fighter/trainer crashed into a field in Chiayi County over the weekend, killing one officer and leaving another critically injured, the Ministry of National Defense said.

While the cause of the accident was not immediately clear, legislators have called for the purchase of dozens of US-made F-16 C/D Block 50 fighters to replace the F-5 fleet which have been in service for three decades.

In addition to some 60 F-5 Tigers, the air force consists of so-called "second-generation" aircraft -- 146 less sophisticated F-16A/B fighters, 128 locally produced Indigenous Defense Fighters and 56 French-made Mirage 2000-5s.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Hsueh Ling (薛凌) said that 32 pilots had been killed in as many accidents over the past 32 years, adding that "it is ridiculous to continue operating such aircraft, risking the lives of pilots."

DPP Legislator Lee Wen-chung (李文忠), urged the Air Force to purchase from the US 50 to 60 F-16 C/Ds, the improved version of the F-16 A/Bs.

"The proposal is feasible," said Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Shuai Hua-ming (帥化民), who is also a retired lieutenant general.

"They could be used to help reinforce combat capability before the so-called `third-generation' fighters join the air force," he said.

Ministry Spokesman Wu Chi-fang (吳季方) said the air force has drafted short and long-term acquisition plans.

The issue was discussed last month when military officers visited Washington, officials said.
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