03 May 2017

News Story: Taiwan to begin production of jet trainer aircraft

by Elizabeth Shim

Taiwan has begun to manufacture next-generation trainer jets as it militarizes an island in the South China Sea in response to Chinese buildup in the Spratly Islands.

Taiwanese newspaper Liberty Times reported Wednesday that Chung-shan Institute of Science and Technology president Chang Guang-chung signed a contract, on behalf of the government to produce 66 advanced jet trainers with the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation.

The policy measure is being taken as part of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's initiative to domestically develop the country's fighter aircraft, according to the report.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan, Mayor of Taoyuan Cheng Wen-tsan, and Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin were in attendance at the signing ceremony.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily