Taiwan Searches for Missing ROKAF F-16V Pilot After Jet Crashes Off Hualien

January 7, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1767828702271-1765

Taiwan's Military Launches Large-Scale Search Operation Following F-16 Crash

Taiwan’s military has launched a large-scale search and rescue operation following the crash of a Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) F-16V Block 20 fighter jet off Hualien County. The pilot, Captain Hsin Po-yi, is still unaccounted for as of the latest official updates. According to AeroTime, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the single-seat F-16, serial number 6700, took off from Hualien Air Base at 18:17 local time on January 6, 2026. The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has dispatched three ships and six patrol craft to support the maritime search and rescue effort.

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Key Takeaways

A Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) F-16V Block 20 fighter jet crashed into the sea off Hualien County.
The pilot, Captain Hsin Po-yi, is still unaccounted for as of the latest official updates.
Taiwan’s military has launched a large-scale search and rescue operation

Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA)

Strategic Implications

This incident may indicate concerns over the reliability of advanced fighter jets in Taiwan’s military. The deployment of additional aircraft and ships to support the search suggests a high level of urgency, but it could also be seen as an opportunity for the Taiwanese military to demonstrate its capabilities.