Today, at Gangshan Air Force Base, the Republic of China Air Force held the “Thunder Tiger Squadron Handover Ceremony and T-BE-5A Brave Eagle Advanced Jet Trainer Smoke Performance Demonstration,” presided over by Commander General Cheng. Former Minister of National Defense Feng Shih-kuan, previous presidents of the Air Force Academy, commanders of the Air Force Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command, former Thunder Tiger leaders and members, family members, representatives from AIDC, and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology were invited to attend, symbolizing the generational inheritance of the Air Force and the advancement of national defense technology.
During the ceremony, the Thunder Tiger Squadron performed a three-aircraft formation flypast with AT-3 aircraft and a five-aircraft V-shaped formation with AJT aircraft over the viewing stand, releasing tri-color smoke representing the national flag of the Republic of China. Subsequently, an AJT aircraft conducted a solo performance demonstration, showcasing not only the unity of pilot and aircraft in aerobatic maneuvers but also the superior performance of the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer.
Since its establishment in 1953, the Thunder Tiger Squadron has operated various aircraft types, including the F-84G, F-86F, F-5A, and F-5E. During this period, it participated in the first World Air Conference in the United States. Beginning in 1989, the squadron transitioned to the domestically produced AT-3 aircraft, performing flypasts and aerobatic displays at major national celebrations. Its superb flying skills have earned widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally, deeply winning the recognition and affection of the public.
The new Thunder Tiger Squadron will inherit the illustrious reputation of its predecessors, upholding the core spirit of “technical excellence, teamwork, and relentless effort,” and continuing the glory and legend of aerobatic flight with the AJT aircraft. This event also featured a historical exhibition area displaying archival photographs and artifacts, allowing guests to appreciate the evolution of successive aircraft types and the squadron’s brilliant flight history while paying the highest tribute to all past Thunder Tiger members.
This handover ceremony highlights the achievements of defense self-reliance and the modernization of flight training, marking the Thunder Tiger Squadron’s entry into a new era. The Air Force will continue to strengthen its combat capabilities to safeguard national security.