Military retires F-5 fighter jets after half a century of service
The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) bid farewell to its long-serving Northrop F-5E/F jets in a poignant ceremony held at Hualien Air Base on July 4, 2025. These jets have played a significant role in Taiwan's air defence for over five decades.
The F-5 jets first entered Taiwan's service in 1965, with the ROCAF operating the F-5A/B fighter jets. In 1973, Taiwan partnered with Northrop Corporation to produce the F-5E model domestically under the Tiger Peace Project. The first Taiwan-built F-5E rolled out the following year, marking the beginning of a domestic production that would yield a total of 308 jets, including 242 single-seat F-5Es and 66 twin-seat F-5Fs.
Throughout the 1970s and 1990s, the F-5 jets served as Taiwan's main combat aircraft, playing a crucial role in defending Taiwan's airspace. As Taiwan acquired more modern aircraft like the F-16 in the 1990s, the F-5s were reassigned for training purposes.
The retirement ceremony was a fitting tribute to the jets that had served Taiwan so faithfully. The event included a sortie consisting of three RF-5E reconnaissance aircraft and two F-5F jets. Some single-seat F-5Es were even capable of launching Maverick missiles. Upon their return, the planes were showered with a water salute. Air force Colonel Hsu Chun-jung reported back to Deputy Minister of National Defense Po Horng-huei, saying "mission accomplished." Despite being the plane's last patrol, the mission was carried out flawlessly.
The retirement of the RF-5Es symbolizes the end of the F-5 era. The missions previously handled by the RF-5Es will be taken over by the RF-16 aircraft. Retired air force colonel Sung Wen-hsi described the Northrop F-5E/F as a formidable jet in the past, while retired colonel Huang Yang-te mentioned that the F-5E/F jets were equipped with various capabilities to fulfill combat readiness missions.
The F-5 jets have left an indelible mark on Taiwan's air defence. Their retirement marks a transition towards more advanced aircraft, reflecting Taiwan's efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The RF-5Es have preserved many valuable reconnaissance images of Taiwan, a testament to their service and sacrifice.
Before the 1995 Taiwan Strait Crisis, the air force routinely carried out reconnaissance patrols over the airspace of Kinmen and Matsu. The air force demonstrated "a show of power" by flying patrol missions close to China's coastline.
The F-5E/F jets will be remembered for their significant defensive role in Taiwan's airspace for decades. Their retirement is not just the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter in Taiwan's air defence history.
The F-5E and F-5F jets, domestically produced through the Tiger Peace Project in partnership with Northrop Corporation, served as Taiwan's main combat aircraft from the 1970s to the 1990s, and were instrumental in defending the island's airspace during this time. As Taiwan's air defense transitions towards more advanced aircraft, the retired F-5E/F jets will be remembered for their significant role in the nation's aerospace and finance industries, contributing to the country's overall defense capabilities and national security.
