11-9-2024 (TAIPEI) In a swift response to a harrowing incident, Taiwan’s air force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of French-manufactured Mirage fighter jets. This decisive action follows a heart-stopping crash off the island’s northwestern coastline, which miraculously saw the pilot escape with his life.
The drama unfolded under the cover of darkness on Tuesday evening, as a lone Mirage soared into the night sky from Hsinchu air base, embarking on what should have been a routine training exercise. However, the tranquillity of the nocturnal flight was shattered when the aircraft suddenly lost engine power, plummeting towards the unforgiving sea below.
In a display of remarkable skill and composure, the pilot managed to eject from the stricken jet moments before it plunged into the waters. A tense search and rescue operation ensued, with relief washing over the nation as news broke that the airman had been plucked from the waves and whisked to hospital.
As dawn broke on Wednesday, Taiwan’s air force command centre sprang into action, issuing a comprehensive grounding order for all Mirage fighters. This precautionary measure aims to facilitate thorough maintenance checks across the entire fleet, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the quest to prevent future incidents.
Keenly aware of the strategic implications of this decision, air force officials have been quick to reassure the public and international observers alike. They emphasised that the temporary removal of the Mirages from active duty would not compromise Taiwan’s air defence capabilities, with other aircraft types stepping up to fill the gap.
The mainstay of Taiwan’s aerial arsenal, the American-built F-16, is expected to shoulder much of this additional burden. These versatile fighters will likely see increased flight hours as they maintain vigilant patrols over the island nation’s airspace.
Taiwan’s relationship with the Mirage 2000 stretches back to 1997 when the first of 60 jets touched down on Taiwanese soil. Over the intervening years, these sleek interceptors have undergone multiple upgrades, evolving to meet the changing face of aerial warfare. However, this long service has not been without cost, with at least seven Mirages lost to accidents over the decades.
