Taiwan aims to raise pilot retirement age to 58 as new F-16V jets arrive

The proposed retention scheme comes as the island’s air force prepares to form operational squadrons around 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters ordered from the United States, adding pressure to an already stretched pool of experienced pilots.

Under the plan, pilots could serve until 58 – up from about 48 for lieutenant colonels and 52 for colonels – extending their current service limits of 26 and 30 years, respectively.

The air force would create 72 additional posts for highly qualified lieutenant colonel and colonel pilots who have served at least 14 years, allowing them to retain their rank and focus on flying rather than command or administrative duties.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung said on Monday the arrangement was designed to keep experienced pilots in uniform when many faced a choice between remaining in the military and pursuing longer, potentially more lucrative careers with commercial airlines.