The 38th annual Han Kuang Exercise, Taiwan’s largest and most important military drill, is currently underway. That means the nation’s armed forces are busy simulating repelling a Chinese invasion from multiple fronts.
Anti-aircraft missiles are shot from a Cheng Kung-class frigate, simulating defending against an enemy on the offensive. This public display is meant to show the defensive capabilities of Taiwan’s coast guard.
Captain Hsu Wen-lung says the coast guard constantly communicates with the navy and the two work together to intercept ships in Taiwanese waters. He says if a Chinese vessel is identified, the two organizations would work together to control the situation.
During this year’s Han Kuang Exercise, the largest military exercise of the year, Taiwan’s military is simulating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan’s eastern waters. As President Tsai Ing-wen looked on, 20 warships practiced quickly leaving their harbor to meet their adversary.
Apart from testing its prowess in defending against aircrafts and warships, Taiwan’s military is also trying its capabilities to repel submarines.
Once maritime surveillance aircraft find a submarine, S-70C helicopters are dispatched to confront the enemy. Warships also participate by launching missiles and depth charges.
Once the enemy submarine comes up, fighter jets are sent on the attack.
Military officials emphasize the Han Kuang Exercise is meant to help Taiwan’s armed forces become familiar with using live weapons. They say with every missed target comes another opportunity to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses.