TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's annual military exercise, "Han Kuang 41 Drill" (漢光演習41號), commenced on Wednesday (July 9), marking its longest drill, 10 days and 9 nights. The exercise will involve over 22,000 military reservists, the highest number in history. The drills aim to enhance the military's command capabilities and combat readiness by employing real troops, equipment, and live ammunition.
The exercise will focus on key areas, including combat power preservation, air and sea maneuvers, and anti-landing operations. From Wednesday (July 9) to Friday (July 11), the military will simulate heightened alert scenarios against medium- and high-intensity gray zone harassment. It will then transition to a full-scale operational phase beginning July 13.
Starting July 15, cities across Taiwan will conduct urban resilience air defense drills, incorporating depth defense and sustained combat strategies. For the first time, these exercises will include chain supermarkets participating in air defense simulations. The drills will also address potential threats from China's military actions against Taiwan, focusing on transitioning from peacetime to wartime operations.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) will broadcast the exercises via various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. On July 10, a live broadcast will feature the Army's new M1A2T tank training with live ammunition. The ministry emphasizes that any unexpected incidents during the exercises will serve as training opportunities, urging the public to remain vigilant and not to believe false information.
