President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) made a trip to the Kaohsiung Air Force Command Headquarters on Friday morning to speak at the opening ceremony of Taiwan’s Air Force Flight Training Command.

With the Taiwan-made AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle transonic advanced jet trainers making their way to delivery points worldwide, and the U.S. F-16V procurement project gradually being completed, President Tsai spoke on the complexity of international geopolitics and national defense independence. She said that since high-quality talents and high-efficiency organizations are the key to improving the combat effectiveness of the national military, the Flight Training Command has important responsibilities.

The independent unit is dedicated to flight training, installing new higher-education aircraft, and developing training methods. With the Flight Training Command and the Air Force Academy both stationed at Gangshan base, the President said she expects the two units can assist each other to improve training courses and maximize organizational effectiveness.

Tsai emphasized that the national military must move towards higher training standards and the government will continue to provide maximum support. She said she hopes that the Flight Training Command will continue to cultivate a new generation of combat talent who will join the ranks in defending national security.