TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises will unfold between July 24 and 28, where armed forces from all military branches will showcase the nation's combat readiness and defenses.
Next, the military will continue to conduct a series of tests on the current stock of guided projectiles and precision weapons in early August.
According to reports, F-16 fighter jets, Dassault Mirage 2000, and IDF combat aircraft will test the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, the MICA missile, and the Sky Sword II missiles.
In addition, the AGM-65 Maverick missiles and harpoon missiles will also be tested for their precision in deterring attacks on land and at sea.
A retired F-16 pilot, Huang Yang-te, explained that statistics acquired during the drills will be crucial to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
"Assuming a 50% hit rate (of a certain missile), facing four ships requires deploying four fighter jets or more, each carrying 8 missiles or more, to effectively sink the vessels," he said.
The MND remarked that PLA vessels and aircraft have appeared increasingly frequently in the sea and airspace south of Taiwan.
The latest report on July 15 showed the highest number of Chinese aircraft detected around Taiwan in a single day, with 15 aircraft and 16 vessels.
Experts pointed out that the incursions could be a ploy from across the strait to lower Taiwan's defenses and strike when we least expect.
Former Navy Captain Huang Cheng-hui stated, "They are conveying three messages: the first is that Taiwan will become accustomed to their constant activities near the main island and will disregard the violations."
"The second is to shorten the Taiwan military's reaction time if they suddenly attack during their drills."
Huang explained that the third motive for China's incursions would be to demonstrate its military edge over Taiwan and brainwash the nation into believing they have no chance of winning should an attack occur in the future.
As Taiwan prepares for the upcoming drills, familiarization with the weapons and combat readiness becomes the focal point in these sensitive times.
