An advanced jet trainer, the T-5 Brave Eagle, has been spotted at Taitung''s Chih-hang Air Base for the first time. The first of 33 to be stationed there, Brave Eagle was photographed running test flights over the past two days. Its presence drew a flock of plane enthusiasts eager to see it in its new home. Let''s go now to a military expert.

Cheng Chi-wen
Military expert
I think these flights are particularly significant, though not in a technical sense. Taitung’s Chih-hang Air Base is one of the two bases where Brave Eagles will be stationed. Brave Eagles will be fundamental to the Air Force. They will be the crucible where pilots are forged. After all, once Brave Eagles enter service, whether you’re a pilot of Mirage jet, an F-16 or an Indigenous Defense Fighter, you’ll have been trained on a Brave Eagle.

Chih-hang Air Base has been hit by tragedy over the past half year, with three of its pilots losing their lives in two accidents. The defense ministry plans to station two Brave Eagles at the base by the end of the year, and all 33 by 2024. The jets will replace an aging F-5 fleet that''s currently used for pilot training.