Tsai lauds launch of indigenous jet trainer

2019/09/26

President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 24 that the launch of a new locally developed advanced jet trainer marks a milestone in the country’s aviation industry and underscores government efforts to boost indigenous national defense capability.
 
 The president made the remarks while inspecting the new AJT prototype named Yung Ying, or Brave Eagle, during its unveiling ceremony at a manufacturing base in central Taiwan’s Taichung City.
 
 Developed as part of a project undertaken by the Ministry of National Defense in collaboration with Taoyuan City-based National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and Taichung-headquartered Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, the new aircraft proves the country’s manufacturing prowess, Tsai said.
 
 According to AIDC, the design of the jet is based on the Ching-kuo Indigenous Defense Fighter, which first entered service in 1992. The Brave Eagle’s fuselage is strengthened to enhance stability when taxiing and fuel capacity is increased. It is expected to make its first flight next year and is likely to replace the aging AT-3 and F-5 E/F jet trainers.
 
 More indigenous defense programs are planned, Tsai said, adding that the AJT project has created 1,200 job opportunities since 2017 and is estimated to provide an additional 800 by 2021.
 
 National defense is one of the key planks in the government’s five-plus-two industrial innovation program. Other targeted high-growth sectors include biotech, green energy, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as two core concepts: the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)