TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The defense ministry revealed on Thursday that the Air Force ordered cold-weather flight suits for its pilots last year.

Speaking at a legislative meeting, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said the flight suits were procured through military purchasing channels last year, with deliveries starting in December, CNA reported.

Air Force Command Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan (李慶然) said the Air Force ordered more than 1,300 cold-weather flight suits last year. More than 400 suits were ordered for pilots flying slower aircraft, and 200 have already been delivered, Lee said. 

Suits for fighter pilots require custom sizing, so they are being delivered in batches, the chief of staff said. The Air Force’s 5th Tactical Fighter Wing has already received some, with all deliveries expected to be completed by the end of March, he said.

After searching for suitable suppliers, the Air Force finally found a suit that does not significantly interfere with flight operations, Lee said. He said that the suits were procured through an open-ended contract for NT$40 million (US$1.25 million).