The unique RF-5E Tigergazer reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) has been stood down from service. The retirement of Taiwan’s RF-5Es comes after the country bid farewell to its F-5E Tiger II fighters at the end of 2023, after almost half a century of operations, as you can read about here. With high levels of tension between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, the ROCAF’s future tactical reconnaissance needs will be handled by drones and pod-equipped F-16 fighters — once the required equipment arrives.
The farewell ceremony for the Tigergazer took place on July 4, when three of the last active ROCAF RF-5Es (serials 5504, 5505, and 5507) performed a final flight, alongside a pair of two-seat F-5Fs.
About the Author
