Taiwanese Air Force

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), also known as the Taiwan Air Force, is a well-trained and technologically advanced air arm structured and organized in a manner largely patterned after the United States Air Force. Its primary mission is to defend the airspace over and around Taiwan. The main operational units include tactical fighter wings, a transport and anti-submarine wing, a tactical control wing, and a comprehensive Air Defense and Artillery Command. This command integrates a network of combat control centers with surface-to-air missile brigades to create a layered air defense system.

Operationally, the ROCAF's capabilities are centered on a multi-tiered fighter force. Historically, its doctrine assigned Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDFs) to low-altitude interception, F-16s to mid-altitude interception and ground attack, and Mirage 2000-5s to high-altitude interception. This strategy aims to deny an adversary air superiority in the event of a conflict. The air force is supported by Grumman E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft, which provide critical reconnaissance and command and control functions. Pilot training is robust, utilizing domestically produced advanced jet trainers.

Taiwan's strategic doctrine has evolved significantly. An earlier concept, "Decisive Battle Offshore," prioritized air and naval power to engage an enemy away from the island. More recent strategic thinking emphasizes withstanding an initial assault by hardening key facilities and then concentrating on defeating an invasion force with mobile, defensive weapon systems. There is also a growing recognition of the importance of asymmetric warfare, electronic warfare, and whole-of-society engagement to build a more resilient national defense.

Historically, the ROCAF has significant combat experience, primarily from the Chinese Civil War and the Taiwan Strait Crises. During these conflicts, it engaged in numerous air-to-air battles with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Notably, a ROCAF F-86 Sabre pilot achieved the world's first successful kill with an air-to-air missile in 1958. In recent years, the ROCAF has been heavily engaged in responding to frequent incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by PLAAF aircraft.

The ROCAF is undergoing significant modernization to counter growing threats. Key programs include the upgrading of its F-16A/B fleet to the advanced F-16V configuration and the development and production of the indigenous AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer. Taiwan has also procured advanced weaponry, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-65 Maverick missiles from the U.S. Furthermore, there is a focus on developing indigenous capabilities, such as anti-radiation UAVs, to enhance its defensive posture.