Huwei Airstrip

The closure was a result of military consolidation and strategic land redevelopment. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) no longer required it as an auxiliary training base. Concurrently, the land was identified as a prime location for major national infrastructure projects, making its value for civilian development far greater than its military utility.

The site of the former airstrip has been completely and irreversibly redeveloped. The original runways and most military structures have been removed to make way for several key public and commercial facilities. The land is now occupied by:

- **Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) Yunlin Station:** The main station building and tracks are located directly on the former airfield grounds.
- **National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin Branch (Huwei Campus):** A major regional medical center built on a large portion of the former base.
- **Central Taiwan Science Park - Huwei Park:** An industrial park focused on technology and manufacturing.

Some historical remnants, such as a few concrete aircraft revetments and bunkers, have been preserved on the periphery of these new developments as historical monuments.

Huwei Airstrip has significant historical importance dating back to World War II.

1. **Japanese Colonial Era (WWII):** Originally built by the Imperial Japanese Navy around 1943, it was known as Kobi Airfield (虎尾飛行場). It served as a major training center for naval pilots. Critically, towards the end of the war, it became a key training and staging base for Kamikaze (神風特攻隊) special attack units, making it a site of immense historical gravity.

2. **Post-War ROCAF Era:** After WWII, the airfield was taken over by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF). For several decades, it functioned as an important training base and an auxiliary/emergency airfield. It was part of Taiwan's defense network during the Cold War era.

None. The prospect of reopening Huwei Airstrip is effectively zero. The land has been fundamentally transformed and is now occupied by critical, high-value national infrastructure including a high-speed rail station, a major hospital, and a science park. Re-establishing an airport on this site is physically, logistically, and economically impossible.