Aviation News – The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has delivered the final two T-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers to the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) on September 24, 2026. This final delivery completes the 66-aircraft production run under Taiwan’s indigenous trainer program, equipping the nation’s air force with a modernized training fleet.
The two newly delivered aircraft, bearing serial numbers 1165 and 1166, took off from Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung at approximately 11:00 local time. Before heading to their final destination, the jets performed a low pass over AIDC’s Shalu plant as a salute to the workforce. The aircraft safely touched down at 11:36 local time at Gangshan, Kaohsiung, home of the ROCAF Air Force Academy.
Demonstrating strong executive leadership, AIDC Chairman Tsao Chin-ping flew aboard aircraft 1166 alongside a company test pilot during the final transit flight. The timing of the handover carries deep ceremonial significance, occurring exactly seven years to the day after the first prototype was officially rolled out in Taichung on September 24, 2019. On that date, then-President Tsai Ing-wen formally named the advanced jet trainer the Brave Eagle.
The T-5 Brave Eagle functions as a high-performance supersonic-capable platform designed to bridge the operational gap between basic flight training and front-line fighter jets. Built using advanced light-weight composites and digital flight-control systems, the jet trainer maximizes fuel efficiency while optimizing aerodynamic stability during high-angle maneuvers. Deploying these units directly to the ROCAF Air Force Academy dramatically improves pilot transition efficiency to frontline fighter platforms.
“The successful completion of the T-5 Brave Eagle production program highlights the strength, dedication, and technical maturity of Taiwan’s aerospace industry,” stated AIDC leadership regarding the program’s culmination. “Delivering these final aircraft to the Republic of China Air Force fulfills our mission to support domestic defense independence through indigenous innovation and engineering excellence.”
The completion of this delivery program cements a major advancement in local aerospace manufacturing capabilities and defense self-reliance. By fully fielding the T-5 Brave Eagle fleet, the Republic of China Air Force establishes a unified, modern pipeline for training next-generation military pilots.
Moving forward, AIDC transitions its focus from core platform manufacturing to long-term operational support, maintenance, and flight software sustainment. The fully integrated Brave Eagle fleet ensures sustained operational readiness for Taiwan’s air defense strategy for decades to come.
