Taiwan targets airbase runways for upgrades to keep jets flying under attack
- The runway at the Hualien base is the first of seven to be widened under a defence ministry programme
- The works will ensure that fighters can continue to operate even if part of the air strips are damaged
The NT$668 million expansion programme at the Hualien Air Base on the eastern side of the island is the first of a series of widening works to ensure there are minimum operating strips (MOS) at bases across Taiwan under fire.
A military source said runways at seven airbases – including Hualien – would be widened to 60 metres (197 feet) from 45-50 metres to make them more resilient in the event of a missile attack from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
According to the government’s procurement website, the operating strips will “increase the operational capacity of the runway and taxiway” and “allow the air force to keep its combat power in the air”.
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An MOS is the smallest amount of runway an aircraft needs for landing, take-off and warplane operations.