PRESIDENT TO REVIEW COMMISSIONING OF E2-K EARLY WARNING AIRCRAFT
ROC Central News Agency
2006-04-14 21:56:00
Taipei, April 10 (CNA) Two U.S.-built E2-K early warning and control aircraft will be commissioned into service Saturday to further shore up Taiwan's air defenses, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Friday.
President Chen Shui-bian will preside over the commissioning ceremony, to be held at an air force base in Pingtung, southern Taiwan, MND officials said.
Taiwan struck the E2-K procurement deal with the United States last year, the officials said, adding that the air force has completed personnel training and relevant preparations for the delivery of the two planes.
The air force's Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team will perform a stunning flight show at the E2-K commissioning ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the country's air arm, the officials said.
The show will be the first of its kind after a six-year hiatus. The Thunder Tiger team suspended all aerial shows six years ago after then-Defense Minister Tang Yiau-ming enjoined military personnel to focus on combat preparedness.
In connection with the E2-K commissioning, the officials said, the Pingtung air base will also open its barracks for public visits for two days from Saturday.
Besides watching the air show, visitors can also take a rare glimpse into the nation's air combat arsenals on static display, including AT-3 assault trainers, F-5E jet fighters, locally developed IDF jet fighters, U.S.-built F-16 jet fighters, French-built Mirage jet fighters, E-2T early warning aircraft, C-130H transport planes and many other weaponry systems.
Marching band performances, a local farm produce trade fair and an exhibition of aboriginal artifacts and handicrafts will also be held at the air base during the two-day period to help boost local tourism, the officials said.
(By Sofia Wu)
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