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Taiwan tests civil-military response in ambitious drill
Taiwan will conduct the Han Kuang 41 exercise from July 9 to 18, focusing on national defense and public response. The drill includes urban resilience and civil defense simulations across 22 cities, testing air raid shelters and involving PX Marts for supply distribution. President Lai Ching-te faces political challenges amid China’s military pressure.
2025/07/04 15:37
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PX Mart joins resilience drills in Taiwan this July
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang announced PX Mart’s participation in July town resilience drills in Taiwan. The drills will test employee response and customer evacuation.
2025/06/27 12:00
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Taiwan unveils sea drone with dual peacetime-wartime roles
YILAN (TVBS News) — Carbon-Based Technology Inc. (碳基科技) recently unveiled its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the waters off Suao (蘇澳), northern Taiwan. The sea drone aims to support an asymmetric warfare strategy currently being developed by Taiwan. Despite encountering a remote control power system issue that rendered it inoperable during performance tests, conducted under the escort of a National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) workboat, this incident highlights ongoing challenges for Taiwan in accelerating the development of unmanned vehicles for military use as it seeks to enhance its innovative and powerful aid forces. Professor Lin Wei-chi (林威志) from Taipei University of Marine Technology (TUMT, 台北海洋科技大學) emphasized the vessel’s innovative design, which allows it to transition between peacetime and wartime roles. The ship can transport resources to remote islands or conduct patrols in Taiwan’s waters, including port detection and environmental oversight. Regarding military applications, such a USV can deter and attack enemies and be commissioned for various missions. However, Taiwan still needs to address several issues, including geographical references in the Taiwan Strait and technical limitations. Lin noted that large waves caused water leakage during the demonstration, which may have affected electronic components on board. Vice President Li Kang-si (李康嗣) of Carbon-Based Technology confirmed that although communication power remained stable, the wave conditions hindered the vessel’s activation, leading to a delay in further tests. According to reports, the island-nation has approximately 1,000 UAVs in service, which is significantly smaller than China’s fleet, especially considering that Beijing is a leading producer of unmanned drones. The scale of the UAV industry is also restricted in Taiwan. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan plans to purchase 3,200 USVs, most of which are small. On one hand, Taiwan’s civilian company is expected to deliver 3,000 drones to the authorities by the end of 2025; however, it is essential to involve larger companies in the supply chain. Amid these challenges, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities by proposing a special budget later this year. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (顧立雄) underscored the significance of unmanned vehicles, including drones and vessels, in bolstering defense resilience. He also announced that the ministry will suggest a special budget to reinforce asymmetric warfare forces, following the so-called “Hellscape” coined by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo. Uncrewed vehicles have become a prominent trend among nations, with their efficiency particularly evident during the Ukraine-Russia War. In October 2022, Ukraine deployed at least seven naval drones to attack the port of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in its protected harbor. The assault resulted in damage to one frigate and several other vessels, though no warships were sunk. A month ago, Ukraine successfully employed a USV to shoot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft. This effectiveness has encouraged various nations to invest in the development of unmanned vehicles. Currently, the U.S. has over 10,000 UAVs in service, while its navy plans to expand the integration of a hybrid fleet with USVs. Regarding Taiwan, the authorities are fully committed to the effort of keeping pace in this race against time by all means. Earlier this month, Taiwan unveiled its domestically produced suicide drone developed by Thunder Tiger Group, a civilian company; another firm presented a remotely operated underwater vehicle in collaboration with the military; and Taiwan CSBC Corporation (台船) showcased its USVs capable of withstanding harsh conditions in Taiwanese waters, equipped with combat capabilities, back in March. Additionally, the Taiwan government has acquired 680 Switchblade 300 drones, 291 ALTIUS 600 M-V units from the U.S., and 4 MQ-9B drones, which are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The global landscape of unmanned military vehicles has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned ships during its conflict with Russia. In response to China’s military pressure, Taiwan must address the dual challenge posed by its geography and technical limitations while enhancing its development speed to achieve a flexible asymmetric warfare strategy.
2025/06/13 19:06
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Taiwan and US deepen defense cooperation on drone technology
The 2025 Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum in Taipei highlighted collaboration in drones and unmanned vehicles. Key figures discussed strengthening ties and industry advancements.
2025/06/11 18:02
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Civilian-led wargame examines future Taiwan Strait conflict
The Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation launched the Taiwan Defense TTX, a wargame with retired generals from Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan. The event, organized by Chair Huang Huang-hsiung and retired admiral Lee Hsi-min, aims to address Taiwan’s defense issues amid China’s military threats. Participants include former U.S. military leaders, and the exercise evaluates Taiwan’s 2030 military strategies.
2025/06/10 16:50
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Military experts to analyze China threat in Taipei exercise
The Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation will host a Taiwan Strait defense war game on June 10-11 at National Chengchi University. The event, led by Huang Huang-hsiung and Lee Hsi-ming, will feature high-ranking military officials to explore conflict scenarios and security strategies.
2025/06/09 12:00
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Taiwan defense tech to accelerate drone manufacturing
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taipei opens its tube-launched drone tech for industry use, aiming to boost Taiwan’s drone sector.
2025/06/02 23:00
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Taiwan evaluates command resilience amid Chinese threats
Taiwan’s Han Kuang 41 exercise ended April 18, highlighting urban warfare readiness amid CCP threats. Experts urge diverse defense strategies for Taipei’s security.
2025/04/23 18:36
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Medical sector tests cyber defenses at Taiwan security meet
The National Institute of Cyber Security in Taipei hosted exercises to help healthcare institutions respond to cyberattacks. The event is part of CYBERSEC 2025, focusing on cybersecurity skills and decision-making.
2025/04/16 11:09
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Kuomintang legislators denounce Chinese military drills
Five Kuomintang legislators criticized Chinese military drills, urging Taipei to conduct a capital defense exercise. They stress the need for strategic planning amid rising tensions.
2025/04/02 23:00
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Taiwan defense ministry stresses military service duty
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stresses compulsory military service as a constitutional duty. Actor Darren Wang faces legal issues for alleged evasion.
2025/02/19 14:02
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Police agency clarifies budget plan amid accusations
The National Police Agency denies funding Kuma Academy for civil defense training, calling media claims baseless. The budget supports local training efforts without specific partnerships.
2025/01/17 11:03
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President Lai praises New Taipei’s disaster readiness
New Taipei City hosted a disaster preparedness drill at Tzu Chi Banqiao Jing Si Hall, featuring President Lai Ching-te. The event focused on enhancing emergency response and collaboration.
2024/12/24 16:15
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Taiwan reports 17 Chinese military aircraft, vessels nearby
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reports 17 Chinese military aircraft and vessels near Taiwan amid the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum. Tensions rise as cross-strait relations face challenges.
2024/12/17 11:16
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Taiwan receives first batch of advanced M1A2T tanks
Taiwan received 38 M1A2T tanks, enhancing military capabilities. The tanks, part of a U.S. purchase, arrived in Hsinchu, marking a defense milestone.
2024/12/16 17:12
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Taiwan receives first batch of M1A2T tanks from U.S.
Taiwan receives its first batch of M1A2T tanks from the U.S., boosting defense capabilities. The tanks were transported to Hsinchu for training exercises.
2024/12/16 09:43
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NCCU to host Taipei reserve brigade training in November
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan plans to integrate urban warfare needs into reservist training. National Chengchi University will host training without disrupting classes.
2024/11/19 14:14
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Attack on Taipei Metro prompts safety protocol review
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced new safety measures for the Taipei Metro after a knife attack injured a student. Plans include increased patrols and public education.
2024/11/11 21:00
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Premier Cho addresses military data leak concerns
Premier Cho Jung-tai addresses leaked data of military officials, urging action and accountability. The Ministry of National Defense admits oversights and implements measures.
2024/10/22 11:38
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Taiwan defense minister clarifies youth consent form
Taiwan’s defense minister assures the youth self-defense consent form is non-military and may be abolished. The form focuses on disaster preparedness.
2024/10/17 20:00
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Taiwan’s National Day underscores democratic pride
Taiwan celebrated its 113th National Day, sparking discussions on national identity. Attendees shared views on Taiwan’s democracy and defense amid ongoing debates.
2024/10/10 17:37
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Defense minister denies President Lai’s alleged outburst
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo refutes claims of President Lai Ching-te losing his temper at a military promotion ceremony. Koo clarifies the misunderstanding.
2024/10/01 10:15
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Defense minister explains high electricity bill at residence
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo explained the high electricity bill at his official residence, attributing it to the nearby military camp. Koo has not lived there since taking office.
2024/09/25 09:25
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Court delays Sheen Ching-jing’s bail over missing signature
Discover the latest on the Core Pacific City corruption case: Taipei District Court requires Core Pacific Group chairman Sheen Ching-jing to correct his unsigned bail request within seven days.
2024/09/16 16:42
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Premier thanks agencies for swift rescue of Air Force pilot
Discover how Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai praised the Ministry of National Defense and Ocean Affairs Council for their quick action in rescuing a pilot after a Mirage 2000 jet crash off Hsinchu’s coast, and his call for future incident prevention.
2024/09/12 14:36