TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military forces showcased their advanced defensive readiness on Tuesday (May 13) in Pingtung, a southern county of the island nation, during the second day of precision live-fire drills. The exercises featured the domestically developed TC-2 Land-based Air Defense Missile System (陸射劍二飛彈系統), with troops responding to simulated attacks from various aerial threats including conventional aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned drones.
Military officials initiated the demonstration at precisely 9:34 a.m. when operators from the 58th Artillery Command deployed two TC-2 interceptors, with the 43rd Artillery Command launching an additional missile shortly thereafter. Officials confirmed all three projectiles accurately eliminated their drone targets. Colonel He Hsiang-i (何相儀), serving as deputy commander of the 43rd Artillery Command, highlighted the exercise's role in confirming military preparedness, noting that personnel adhered to the doctrine that "combat readiness is routine, and training is actual combat."
Taiwan's defense infrastructure benefits significantly from the TC-2's sophisticated phased-array radar vehicles that provide superior target acquisition and tracking functionality. Military analysts note the system evolved from Taiwan's indigenous Sky Sword II (天劍二型) missile program and has supplanted the aging American-supplied MIM72 Chaparral and associated LAADS radar platforms. The current system provides comprehensive medium to low-altitude protection with engagement ranges extending to 15 kilometers while maintaining omnidirectional surveillance capabilities.
The exercises continued smoothly despite encountering one operational setback when a target drone, identified as a Red Ant model, crashed during its launch phase due to powerful lateral winds. Military officials characterized the incident as minor and confirmed it caused no delay to the overall program. Defense ministry representatives emphasized that Tuesday's successful demonstrations reflect Taiwan's ongoing determination to enhance its defensive posture amid growing regional security concerns. ★
