TAICHUNG, June 22 — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw the first public test flight of a new locally designed and made advanced jet trainer today, part of her government's plan to boost defences in the face of a growing challenge from China. Taiwan's armed forces are mostly equipped by the...
An AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle, Taiwan's first locally manufactured advanced jet trainer, takes off in Taichung, Taiwan, June 22, 2020. — Reuters pic
Taiwan's armed forces are mostly equipped by the United States, but Tsai has made development of an advanced home-grown defence industry a priority, especially as China, which claims the island as its own, steps up military modernisation efforts. Speaking at an air base in the central city of Taichung, Tsai said the new aircraft disproved naysayers who thought Taiwan lacked the technology and should focus on meeting its defence needs from abroad.
The single AT-5, flanked by a Ching-kuo fighter, made a 12-minute flight in front of Tsai. Its first official test flight was earlier this month, less than a year after the prototype was unveiled.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Harbouring Hong Kong ‘rioters’ will harm Taiwan, says China | Malay MailBEIJING, June 20 — Offering protection to “rioters” from Hong Kong will only harm Taiwan’s people and is an interference in the Chinese-ruled city’s affairs, China’s government said, denouncing plans by Taiwan to help Hong Kongers who decide to flee to the island. Taiwan said on...
Read more »
Outgoing Senate president asks govt to reinstate reduced powers of Malay Rulers | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Outgoing Dewan Negara president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran today called on the government to reinstate the reduced powers of the Malay monarchs. Noting the importance of the Malay Rulers, Vigneswaran, whose term ends today after completing two terms as Senate chair, said that...
Read more »
Oil price rally may boost ringgit versus US dollar next week | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — The current rally in crude oil prices could provide a fillip to the ringgit against the US dollar next week, said an analyst. According to reports, oil prices were in an upward trend for the first time since April, as demand recovery supports the effort to reduce supply....
Read more »
New Covid-19 cluster detected in Sepang, says Dr Noor Hisham | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has detected a new Covid-19 cluster, this time in Labu Lanjut, Sepang, where five positive cases have been confirmed so far, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said. He said the index case involved a patient who had been treated...
Read more »
Franchise income takes a beating during MCO, says domestic trade minister | Malay MailPUTRAJAYA, June 19 — The franchise income has suffered a significant decline during the movement control order (MCO) period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the food and beverage sub-sector, which dropped by up to 70 per cent; and education, which shrank by up to 80 per cent....
Read more »
Defence minister visits Butterworth air base | Malay MailBUTTERWORTH, June 20 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today conducted a working visit to the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Butterworth here. The visit was his first after being appointed to head the Ministry of Defence in March. Ismail Sabri who is also Senior Minister...
Read more »