Taipei, January 7 - Taiwan's Air Force has initiated an extensive search and rescue operation for a missing F-16 pilot following the disappearance of an advanced F-16V fighter jet during a routine night training mission off the island's eastern coast. The single-seat F-16V Block 20 aircraft, a cornerstone of Taiwan's modernized aerial defense fleet, took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 p.m. local time on January 6, 2026. Contact was lost shortly thereafter, with authorities suspecting the pilot had ejected at approximately 7:29 p.m. over waters about 10 nautical miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County. The Air Force swiftly established an emergency response center to coordinate efforts aimed at locating the aviator, identified as Captain Hsin Po-yi, an experienced pilot with hundreds of flight hours on the F-16 platform.
The Taiwan F-16 crash prompted immediate high-level intervention, as President Lai Ching-te directed the Ministry of National Defense and related agencies to prioritize personnel safety and execute a full-scale rescue. Premier Cho Jung-tai further instructed the Coast Guard Administration to deploy vessels and enlist assistance from nearby fishing boats in the search area. Adverse weather conditions, including high winds, rough seas with swells up to three meters, and dropping temperatures from a cold air mass, have complicated the ongoing operation, underscoring the urgency in recovering the missing F-16 fighter jet pilot. Military officials have not yet disclosed preliminary findings on the incident's cause, emphasizing instead the multi-agency commitment to the rescue.
This event highlights the operational demands on Taiwan's Air Force, which maintains a fleet of upgraded F-16V jets as part of its defense modernization program. The F-16V represents a significant enhancement over earlier models, featuring advanced avionics and capabilities essential for maintaining readiness. Search teams continue to scan the Pacific waters off Hualien, deploying helicopters, ships, and other assets in a determined effort to locate the pilot.
As details emerge regarding the Taiwan F-16 pilot missing incident, authorities remain focused on the rescue mission while preparing to investigate potential factors once the immediate priority of personnel recovery is addressed. The operation reflects the coordinated response capabilities of Taiwan's military and civilian agencies in handling such aviation emergencies.
