Taiwan drills runway repairs to keep Mirage 2000-5 jets flying

Taiwan is drilling to keep its Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets flying despite Chinese missile strikes that could cripple its runways. The Hsinchu Airbase, just 90 miles from mainland China, hosts these interceptors as Taiwan’s frontline defense against potential aerial threats. Engineers and pilots are running drills to simulate runway repairs under fire, ensuring the base can recover quickly if China targets its infrastructure.

This urgency comes after years of escalating tensions. China has increased military flights near Taiwan and rehearsed missile strikes on airfields in exercises meant to simulate a blockade or invasion. Taiwan’s runways are vulnerable—most were built in the 1950s and 60s and weren’t designed to survive sustained bombardment. The Mirage 2000-5s are critical because they’re among Taiwan’s few aircraft fast enough to intercept Chinese bombers or fighters before they reach the island.

During a recent drill, teams practiced filling bomb craters with fast-curing concrete and clearing debris in under 90 minutes. Taiwanese air force officials say the goal is to have at least one runway operational within hours of an attack, even if multiple strikes hit. The Mirage 2000-5s, originally bought from France in the 1990s, are aging but still essential—they’re the only Taiwanese jets equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles. Taiwan has tried to buy new fighters, but political delays and Chinese pressure have stalled deals.

What happens next could shape Taiwan’s air defenses for decades. The U.S. has pledged to help modernize Taiwan’s military, including upgrades to airfields and early warning systems. But without steady runway access, even the best jets are useless if they can’t take off. Taiwan’s government has quietly increased spending on runway repair gear and recruited civilian contractors to assist in emergencies. Meanwhile, China continues to test its ability to paralyze Taiwanese airfields—meaning Taiwan’s drills aren’t just practice. They’re preparation for a war no one wants, but everyone fears is coming.