PINGTUNG (TVBS News) — Taiwan launched Dual Mount Stinger (DMS) missiles from the ground and on Humvee-mounted Avenger weapon systems during the annual Shengong military drills in Pingtung's Jiupeng base on Tuesday (July 4).
Like the Tian Ma drills the day earlier, the military had first-timers try their hand at shooting airborne targets. Military personnel explained that precision in aiming at the targets isn't easy as the scorching sun and heat can easily pose difficulties.
"Upon firing, Stinger missiles look for infrared heat," Dongyin Defense Command's Hybrid Air Defense Company Sergeant Pan Chi-han said. "We need to ensure it will not be distracted by larger heat sources," he added.
Pan explained that as shooters' optics through the viewfinders are limited, they must search for the target and try to keep it within focus.
Despite some misses during the military exercise, officials explain that newcomers must get hands-on experience, regardless of unsatisfactory results. Among the 12 targets launched today, eight were successfully shot down.
