The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) military dispatched three F-16 fighter jets to escort the last group of Taiwanese athletes back home from the Paris Olympic Games.
Following instructions from President Lai Ching-te, the Ministry of National Defense arranged for the jets to accompany the athletes’ EVA Air charter flight on August 12, 2024.
“The athletes of the Chinese Olympic team performed brilliantly at the Paris Olympics,” the ministry said. “The [Taiwan] Air Force dispatched three F-16V fighter jets to accompany them in the air and fired flares to thank the athletes for bringing glory to the country.”
The F-16s took off to meet the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in mid-air before it landed at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The jets released flares as they escorted the flight.
Competing under the name Chinese Taipei, Taiwan secured seven medals, two golds and five bronzes, the second-best showing in its history.
A similar gesture was made during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when four Mirage 2000-5 jets escorted Taiwan’s athletes home.