Taiwan’s F-16 fighter fleet returned to active service on Monday after a week-long suspension following a missing aircraft incident. The Air Force ordered the pause after an F-16V and its pilot disappeared off Taiwan’s east coast. The decision came during a period of elevated military activity around the island.
The Air Force confirmed that all F-16 aircraft passed safety and technical inspections before returning to flight operations. Meanwhile, pilots completed flight simulation drills while ground crews carried out maintenance and emergency response exercises. These steps ensured that both crews and aircraft met operational readiness standards.
An F-16V vanished on Jan. 6 during a routine training mission over waters east of Taiwan. Search and rescue teams continued scanning large areas of ocean for signs of the missing pilot and aircraft. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the incident as investigators continue their review.
Military analysts said the flight resumption shows how the Air Force balances safety with urgent defense needs. Taiwan depends heavily on its F-16 fleet to monitor airspace and respond to potential threats. Chinese military drills near the Taiwan Strait have increased pressure on Taiwan’s air defenses.
Defense officials said inspectors examined flight control systems, avionics, and maintenance records across the fleet. They also strengthened training standards for pilots and maintenance crews during the suspension period. These steps aimed to protect aircraft reliability and improve crew performance.
The military said it will keep refining safety procedures while supporting the investigation into the missing F-16V. Officials also plan to apply lessons from the incident to future training and operations. The fleet’s return restores a core element of Taiwan’s air defense during continuing regional tensions.
