TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military will adopt a "no-script" approach to its largest annual exercise next month, forcing commanders to respond to unpredictable battlefield scenarios without predetermined timelines. The island is also integrating drone warfare lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East into its defense planning.
The Ministry of National Defense (國防部) announced Tuesday (July 28) that the Han Kuang 42 (漢光42號) live-fire exercise will run from Aug. 5 through Aug. 14. The 10-day drill will mobilize more than 5,000 reservists from two brigade-level units and test wartime production relocation from military arsenals to civilian factories.
"The exercise will adopt a continuous scenario mode, training units in their response capabilities under realistic combat conditions," said Lu Wen-yuan (呂文元), director of the Joint Operations Division under the General Staff, at the weekly press briefing.
No Script, Real-Time Decisions
Unlike the preparatory exercises held in June and July, which allowed units to familiarize themselves with battle plans and terrain, the August live-fire phase will throw commanders into scenarios they cannot anticipate. The exercise control group will issue situational updates without warning, and unit leaders must adapt in real time.
"There is no script, and we do not follow any predetermined sequence," Lu said, his tone measured. "All training depends on how officers respond to unexpected situations and how units adjust their firepower deployment."
The exercise will unfold in four operational phases: war preparation and deployment; force protection and preservation; joint anti-landing operations; and in-depth defense with sustained combat.
Taiwan's military has been studying conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to inform its drone strategy. This year's exercise incorporates unmanned systems across multiple mission types: battlefield reconnaissance, joint target acquisition, composite fire coordination and counter-drone operations.
Testing Wartime Supply Lines
For the first time in a Han Kuang exercise, the Navy and Coast Guard Administration (海巡署) will jointly execute anti-blockade drills using live troops, equipment and ammunition. The exercises will take place in the western Pacific and include sea patrol, shipping lane security and critical supply escort missions.
The anti-blockade component responds to concerns about China's growing maritime pressure. Lu noted that Taiwan's military continuously monitors Chinese gray-zone activities and has incorporated response protocols into this year's exercise.
Two brigade-level reserve units — the Taipei Reserve Brigade (臺北旅) and the 153rd Infantry Brigade (步兵第153旅) — will undergo full mobilization as part of the concurrent Tongxin 36 (同心36號) exercise. More than 5,000 reservists will be called up to test mobilization, unit organization, pre-combat training and combat readiness restoration.
The exercise will also test wartime production relocation. Arsenal Factory 202 (軍備局生製中心第202廠) and civilian assembly plants will rehearse moving production lines under simulated enemy fire.
The 2027 Question Remains Open
When asked whether this year's exercise continues to assume a potential Chinese invasion by 2027, Lu offered a measured response. The threat assessment "hasn't changed much from last year to this year," he said, but did not explicitly confirm or deny the timeline.
The exercise coincides with the 2026 Urban Resilience Air Defense Exercise (2026城鎮韌性防空演習), which runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 13 and will test civilian shelter compliance across all 368 townships for the first time.
"We firmly believe that being prepared makes us safer," said Ho Yang-cheng (何陽徵), director of the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency's (全動署) manpower mobilization division, striking a note of resolve. "When all citizens possess this knowledge, we can demonstrate the resilient strength of Team Taiwan, Stronger Together." ◼
