RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony: Formation Flight Completes Final Mission
The Air Force Command held the “RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony” at Hualien Air Base today, featuring a formation flight, static display, and screening of a documentary film. The event also specially invited pilots’ families to attend and witness the historic moment alongside service members.
The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Minister of National Defense Hung-Hui Pai, who presented commemorative gifts and arm patches to mission pilots and logistics personnel, expressing gratitude for their long-term commitment and professional dedication.
During the event, a formation of five aircraft, consisting of three RF-5E and two F-5F aircraft, took off from Hualien Air Base, conducted an airspace patrol along the eastern sea, and passed through a water arch created by fire trucks upon landing, completing their final flight mission.
A static display area was set up at the ceremony site, showcasing RF-5E and F-5F aircraft along with historical mission equipment. A documentary film was screened, reviewing the aircraft’s role transitions and achievements within the air defense system since its commissioning, highlighting its diverse applications in reconnaissance, disaster monitoring, and technological development.
The RF-5E, modified from the F-5 series since 1997, was equipped with optoelectronic reconnaissance equipment and tasked with homeland surveillance, disaster assessment, and intelligence collection. It also frequently supported natural disaster response operations. Although its operational mode differed from main combat aircraft, it remained a critical mission aircraft type for the Air Force.
Since their commissioning, the F-5 series aircraft have served in training, combat, and reconnaissance roles, witnessing the Air Force’s development and technological transformation. Future tactical reconnaissance missions will be undertaken by RF-16 aircraft, continuing to provide real-time air intelligence to support ROC Armed Forces’ operational planning and decision-making.