MilitaryAIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo IDF
Fighter Jetconfirmed
The F-CK-1 Ching-kuo (Indigenous Defense Fighter) is Taiwan's domestically developed light fighter. Named after Chiang Ching-kuo, the aircraft gives Taiwan an indigenous jet fighter capability independent of U.S. export controls. Equipped with a Golden Dragon radar and Sky Sword II BVR missiles.
Specifications
| Type | Fighter Jet |
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Manufacturer | Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) |
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Generation | 4th |
| Status | In service |
| Ceiling | 16,764 |
| Range | 1,111 |
| Weight | 6,486 |
| Speed | 1,814 |
| Crew | 1 |
History
Developed after the U.S. refused to sell F-16s to Taiwan in the 1980s over China's objections. First flew 1989, entered service 1994. 130 built. 71 are being upgraded to the Block 20 standard. Taiwan also received F-16A/B in 1997 and is receiving F-16V Block 70 from 2025.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | 130 IDF (71 upgrading to Block 20) | confirmed |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
