Taiwan receives its final pair of Brave Eagle trainer jets

Taiwan received the final two T-BE-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers on September 24, completing delivery of the 66 aircraft ordered under a program launched in 2017. One aircraft was lost in February 2025, leaving an operational fleet of 65, while the broader package also includes simulators, ground systems and support. Derived substantially from the F-CK-1 fighter but incorporating a largely new airframe and non-afterburning engines, Brave Eagle streamlines the transition from basic training to Taiwan's frontline combat aircraft. The program also strengthens Taiwan's domestic aerospace engineering base.