President Chen Shui-bian commissioned the Air Force's E-2K Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft on April 15 and urged all legislators to put Taiwan's national defense above political differences.
The president particularly took note of the 51st time the Legislative Yuan's procedural committee has delayed the reviewing of the arms procurement bill.
At the ceremony, the president also spoke of maintaining the Air Force's capabilities and anticipating for the procurement of new-generation jets in 2010 and 2020.
The Hawkeye is one of the most advanced surveillance aircraft used by many nations in the world. During Taiwan's devastating "921 Earthquake," two Hawkeye aircraft performed well in its search and rescue missions.
Vice President Annette Lu and Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng also attended the ceremony. After speaking at the ceremony, the president boarded a Hawkeye aircraft and inspected it.