TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — On Tuesday (Dec. 12), Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) delivered four Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer aircraft, bearing serial numbers 1124 to 1127, to the Air Force base in Taitung, marking the completion of AIDC's annual contract goal of 17 aircraft.
Just last week, on Dec. 8, AIDC handed over aircraft 1123 to the Air Force. The company overcame media skepticism that questioned the feasibility of delivering five aircraft within the remaining month, a task that was labeled as "almost impossible."
The quartet of Brave Eagles underwent rigorous ground and flight tests and were validated by the Air Force before leaving AIDC's factory. The global pandemic has created instability in supply chains, affecting delivery schedules and logistics maintenance for the aircraft.
AIDC's procurement team, led by Chairman Hu Kai-hung and General Manager Ma Wan-chun, negotiated with international system suppliers and pushed for progress at the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) until critical parts were secured on Nov. 20.
The aircraft that were delivered to the Air Force were attended by AIDC's chief engineer and the Brave Eagle maintenance team to ensure operational readiness and training continuity.
Staff at AIDC's test line in Taichung, including Hu, Ma, and various senior managers from project, engineering, production, aircraft maintenance, navigation, and quality assurance departments, put in intensive work.
The Air Force and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), both clients of AIDC, also offered unwavering, round-the-clock support.
Chairman Hu reiterated AIDC's unyielding commitment to national defense missions and expressed gratitude for the support from colleagues and clients. Ma emphasized that despite the rush to meet deadlines, safety and quality remained paramount at AIDC.
The Brave Eagle is a significant achievement in Taiwan's defense autonomy. On Dec. 1, the Air Force's flying training command was elevated to a dedicated "Flight Training Command," devoted to developing elite pilots.
Under government policy direction, AIDC plans to continue delivering aircraft on schedule next year to enhance the nation's defensive capabilities.
