Jeroen Bos Taiwanese F-16A Fighter Jet Missing After Take-off: Taiwan Air Force F-16 Jet. File photo by Taiwan AF An F-16A fighter of the Taiwan Air Force's Fifth Tactical Mixed Wing that took off on a night combat sortie training mission yesterday is reported missing. The jet took off from Hualien base at 6:5 p.m., and the radar spot disappeared at 6:17 p.m. The Air Force confirmed that the No. 3 and No. 4 F16 fighters currently undergoing night training assisted the search in the missing waters, Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) reported. “Air Force Fifth Tactical Mixed Wing (401) 26th Combat Team F-16A (Aircraft No. 6672) took off from Hualien during night flight training at 6:5, but the radar spot disappeared at 6:17 Eight miles northeast of Hualien Airport, about 5 kilometers east of Hualien Port, the battle management center found that the aircraft’s light spot disappeared,” CNA said quoting Air Force officials. The Air Force has confirmed that the pilot on board was Captain Jiang Zhengzhi of the 26th combat team. The military Black Hawk helicopters were conducting search and rescue operations, and notified the Marine Patrol Department to attend and air-crew search and rescue aircraft on standby. At the same time, they broadcasted the assistance of nearby ships through Fishery Radio and Keelung Coast Radio, the report said. Taiwan unveils F-16 maintenance hub as China tensions build Taiwan finalizes $62bn purchase of F-16 jets from Lockheed Martinas US health chief visits Taiwan Taiwan's new F-16s to be equipped with advanced electronic warfare system Taiwan eyes further U.S. arms purchases with new anti-ship missile Taiwanese F-16V procurement activated with engine contract Taiwan preparing for M1A2T tanks with help from U.S.: army Lockheed awarded $32.9M deal to upgrade Taiwan's F-16s Taiwan, USA proceed with F-16V deal Taiwan, U.S. companies to ink pact on F-16 maintenance center Taiwan says F-16 upgrade back on track, as it seeks recon pods that can watch China’s coastline Taiwan F-16 fighter jet upgrades on schedule, despite delays Taiwan calls for after-sales help with US jets, tanks F-16V funding bill passes initial review - Taiwan F-16V jetfighter can outclass China's J-20: defense minister