Taiwan has officially retired its last F-5 fighter jets, phasing out the Cold War-era aircraft as part of a sweeping overhaul of its air capabilities in the face of rising tensions with mainland China.

The retirement marks the end of nearly six decades of service. The F-5s were first delivered to Taiwan in 1965 and once formed the backbone of the island’s air defence, with more than 330 operated over the years. Most have since been repurposed for training, reconnaissance, or decoy missions.

Replacing Legacy with Modern Power

As threats from China intensify, Taiwan is investing heavily in more advanced manned and unmanned aircraft. The air force has purchased 66 F-16V fighters and is upgrading older fleets to meet modern standards. The phase-out of the F-5 comes as part of this strategic shift.

The jets, once stationed along Taiwan’s eastern coast behind the Central Mountain Range and the Taiwan Strait, were favoured for their speed, agility, and affordability. However, defence officials say the platform is no longer suited for modern combat scenarios.

During a farewell ceremony, the Taiwanese air force performed a final flyby for journalists, honouring the aircraft's legacy and symbolic role in Taiwan’s defence posture.