Han Kuang Exercise: Lai Ching-te Emphasizes Strengthening National Defense Capabilities

On the 8th, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visited Zuoying to inspect the live-fire phase of the Han Kuang 42 exercise and boarded the Navy's Kuang Hua VI missile fast attack boat. In his address to the troops, Lai stated that the purpose of the Han Kuang exercise is to test command coordination, adaptive response to battlefield changes, and homeland defense capabilities through live-force, real-location, and real-equipment drills. The government will continue to work to strengthen national defense capabilities, providing maximum support to the armed forces and Coast Guard.

Lai said that in the face of external threats and challenges, the government will continue to make efforts to enhance defense strength and provide full support to the military and Coast Guard. He also encouraged the troops to actively respond during the exercise and to strengthen their teamwork and coordination, in order to be able to handle various situations and to defend sovereignty and the safety of the people with solid combat power. He wished everyone a successful completion of their mission.

The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense's 2026 annual 'Han Kuang Exercise' began on August 5th, lasting for 10 days and 9 nights.

The Taiwan military, for the first time in this year's Han Kuang exercise, deployed the M1A2T main battle tanks purchased from the United States, positioning them at Taoyuan International Airport for a live-force anti-airborne landing drill.

On the third day of 'Han Kuang 42', August 7th, the Taiwan military for the first time deployed four M1A2T main battle tanks to Taoyuan International Airport, together with Clouded Leopard armored vehicles, engineer troops, and airport-related units, jointly conducting anti-airborne landing exercises.

This is the first time since the Taiwanese Army formally commissioned all 108 M1A2T tanks into service that they were fully involved in a combat exercise under an 'official combat order of battle'.

Since 2019, the Taiwanese Army has budgeted a total of NT$40.5 billion to purchase 108 M1A2T tanks from the United States, with all deliveries completed in April of this year.

This exercise scenario designates Taoyuan Airport as a key strategic point. If seized and controlled by enemy forces via airborne landing, it could become a base for manpower and supplies, and consequently threaten Taipei's political and economic center. Therefore, the top priority for the defending forces is to prevent the enemy from seizing and utilizing the airport.

In addition, under the simulated scenario on the third day, the Taiwan military responded to a missile attack on Taiwan. The Air Force's Hsinchu Base urgently carried out 'air-to-air missile loadout,' 'runway repair,' and 'emergency fighter takeoff' drills with Mirage 2000s, demonstrating the Air Force's resilience in force preservation and ongoing combat capability under attack.