Full Breakdown
Taiwan Launches Multi-Day Joint Precision Munitions Live-Fire Exercise
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Exercise Overview
Taiwan’s armed forces began a three-day Joint Precision Munitions Live-Fire Exercise at Jiupeng Military Base in Pingtung County. The drill, described by the Defense Ministry as a test of long-range strike and joint-operation capabilities, features coordinated launches by the army, navy and Coast Guard. The opening phase, conducted before dawn, focused on air-defense and air-to-air systems to evaluate rapid response to aerial threats.
Participating Weapon Systems
Liberty Times reported that the exercise incorporates a mix of newly acquired and existing platforms. Air-defense assets include the Patriot PAC-2 and Sky Bow III missiles, while the Tien Kung system and HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems are slated for later phases. Land-based Sky Sword II missiles, ALTIUS 600M loitering munitions, and Hsiung Feng II/III anti-ship missiles will also be employed. Coast Guard vessels are set to fire Hsiung Feng-series missiles, and the army will test High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) alongside the Sky Sword II.
Operational Areas and Sinking Exercise
The drill designates three warning zones extending eastward from the mainland coast to Green Island, Orchid Island, and the waters off Chenggong and Taimali. Within these zones, decommissioned vessels—including the Chi Yang-class frigate Lan Yang—will serve as targets for a sinking exercise modeled on the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) drills. The exercise aims to simulate realistic maritime strike scenarios and assess coordination among services.
Official Oversight
The Defense Ministry has invited President Lai Ching-te to observe the exercise, underscoring the event’s significance for national defense planning. Officials emphasize that the drills are intended to gauge the military’s and Coast Guard’s ability to conduct joint operations under wartime conditions.
Strategic Significance
Analysts note that the inclusion of advanced precision-strike weapons and loitering munitions reflects Taiwan’s effort to modernize its deterrent posture. By testing command-and-control links and rapid deployment across multiple domains, the exercise seeks to demonstrate readiness against potential aerial and maritime threats in the region.