MNA

On the second day of the Han Kuang 41 Exercise, various types of aircraft from the ROC Air Force took off from different bases to rapidly conduct combat readiness redeployment training, ensuring sustained operational capability. Initially, ground crew personnel completed the configuration of mission-capable weapon systems. Pilots and crew chiefs then worked together to conduct a comprehensive 360-degree pre-flight inspection. After confirming that all systems and equipment were fully operational, the aircraft swiftly took off to carry out their assigned missions. The purpose of this redeployment drill is to disperse force deployments and preserve weapon systems and equipment. This approach aims to secure strategic operational depth, maintain flexible mobility and sustained combat capabilities, and enable timely and effective airstrikes—thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of Taiwan’s defensive operations.

In coordination with the ROC Armed Forces’ Han Kuang 41 Exercise, the Coast Guard Administration’s Anping-class vessel “Wanli,” with the assistance of Navy logistics personnel, completed the installation of Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles. This initiative aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s joint operational capabilities to support ROC Armed Forces’ combat operations.

The Army’s 584th Armored Brigade conducted the “M1A2T Tank Conversion Training” at the Kengzikou Training Ground in Hsinchu on the morning of July 10. The Military News Agency’s social media platform released a video of the M1A2T tank undergoing firing training, with the shockwave from the tank’s cannon raising dust accompanied by the flash of the projectile, creating a striking scene.

RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony: Formation Flight Completes Final Mission The Air Force Command held the “RF-5E Decommissioning Ceremony” at Hualien Air Base today, featuring a formation flight, static display, and screening of a documentary film. The event also specially invited pilots’ families to attend and witness the historic moment alongside service members. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Minister of National Defense Hung-Hui Pai, who presented commemorative gifts and arm patches to mission pilots and logistics personnel, expressing gratitude for their long-term commitment and professional dedication. During the event, a formation of five aircraft, consisting of three RF-5E and two F-5F aircraft, took off from Hualien Air Base, conducted an airspace patrol along the eastern sea, and passed through a water arch created by fire trucks upon landing, completing their final flight mission. A static display area was set up at the ceremony site, showcasing RF-5E and F-5F aircraft along with historical mission equipment. A documentary film was screened, reviewing the aircraft’s role transitions and achievements within the air defense system since its commissioning, highlighting its diverse applications in reconnaissance, disaster monitoring, and technological development. The RF-5E, modified from the F-5 series since 1997, was equipped with optoelectronic reconnaissance equipment and tasked with homeland surveillance, disaster assessment, and intelligence collection. It also frequently supported natural disaster response operations. Although its operational mode differed from main combat aircraft, it remained a critical mission aircraft type for the Air Force. Since their commissioning, the F-5 series aircraft have served in training, combat, and reconnaissance roles, witnessing the Air Force’s development and technological transformation. Future tactical reconnaissance missions will be undertaken by RF-16 aircraft, continuing to provide real-time air intelligence to support ROC Armed Forces’ operational planning and decision-making.

To understand the progress of various construction at the National Military Museum, Legislator SHEN, PAO-YANG, convener of the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, led a delegation today to Dazhi to inspect the new construction work of the Museum. The goal is to ensure strict adherence to the project timeline and successfully complete the overall construction mission. This morning, Legislator SHEN, PAO-YANG, convener of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, led a delegation to the construction site of the National Military Museum, accompanied by the Admin. Deputy Minister of Ministry of National Defense (MND), Lieutenant General YANG, Counselor of MND, Lieutenant General SHIH, Director of the Administration Office, Lieutenant General SUN, and other officials. In addition to receiving a briefing on the construction progress, the delegation also viewed a panoramic video presentation of the museum to gain a better understanding of the facility's planning and offered their suggestions. During the inspection, Convener SHEN toured the relevant floors in person. With detailed explanations from specialists, he reviewed the construction and supervision work step by step to understand the overall progress of each task. He emphasized that if any obstacles or risks arise, communication with the contractors must be maintained to find solutions. At the same time, dedicated personnel should be assigned to oversee the project's progress to ensure that the construction of this new National Military Museum is completed on time and with high quality.

“Logistics capability is not only the source of military strength, but also the key to combat result.” In addition to its responsibility of maintaining and repairing various general-purpose equipment for the 1st Theater of Operations, the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot also assists in the fabrication of target ships for training and exercises by applying its technical expertise. This effort has significantly enhanced both the training effectiveness of the defense zone and the overall defense and combat readiness. During the exercise conducted in the Penghu defense zone, various weapons systems will be used for live-fire drills to designated maritime targets area. Among them, tank cannons and Javelin missiles will be used in conjunction with target ships built by personnel with related specialties from the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot. These target ships not only assist shooters in aiming during the exercise but also serve to verify firing accuracy and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the drill. Three to four weeks prior to the firing mission, the target ship fabrication group at the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot begins preparatory work. Each step in the process is essential and cannot be omitted, including task assignment, material selection, angle iron cutting, piping fabrication, frame welding, and wooden panels drilling. Once all components are completed, they are assembled into the final product. Due to the large size of the target ships, the fabrication group from the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot will transport the completed components and welding equipment to the dock ahead of the exercise to carry out on-site assembly. Once assembled, the target ships are hoisted into the water using the crane of a 3.5-ton heavy-duty truck. A contracted ship company then tows the target ships to the designated firing area, where they are anchored, completing the setup of the live-fire targets area. Sergeant Major CHEN of the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot explained that to ensure the target ship’s stability and buoyancy, angle iron must be cut according to precise specifications and welded into a solid frame. In addition, holes are drilled into the wooden panels to reduce wind resistance and enhance structural stability, which are essential for withstanding the strong winds and waves in the Penghu sea area. He also noted that, since the Javelin missile uses infrared guidance, the fabrication of the target ship must include the installation of heat sources to aid the missile and shooter in tracking, targeting, and striking. Lieutenant Colonel PAN, Director of the Penghu Type B Combined Maintenance Depot, stated that during the exercises, the depot is not only responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of participating equipment, but also for verifying the effectiveness of equipment repairs and target ship fabrication carried out by the maintenance unit. These tasks test the communication and coordination skills of the personnel, as well as validate the logistical and technical expertise developed during routine operations. The depot will continue working closely with frontline combat units in the future, dedicating its efforts to the defense of the homeland.

The 4th Theater of Operations of R.O.C. Armed Force conducted today the “Heavy Artillery Maintenance and Firing” for the first half of the year in Pingtung area. Participating units included the Army’s 43rd Artillery Command and the Huadong Defense Command. Through the firing procedures, the troops were validated the results of routine training and discipline, refined command control and fire coordination, and enhanced the use of firepower and overall combat capabilities. The heavy artillery maintenance and firing for the first half of the year was conducted this morning in Pingtung area, with a total of 44 155mm-towed howitzers. Participating units conducted three subject drills in sequence: “registration fire,” “Time-On-Target,” and “high angle fire,” which were designed to verify the artillery readiness and to train the live-fire procedures. Additionally, through the artillery body movement produced during firing, the weapon equipment and capabilities are tested. The exercises also allowed personnel to further familiarize with firing procedures, build professional expertise, and bolster the overall defensive combat power in the theater of operations. The 4th Theater of Operations stated that the R.O.C. Armed Forces will continue to carry out various combat readiness exercises and training. Through hands-on field drills, the troops can enhance their control of battlefield environments, and the personnel can improve their proficiency in operating weapon systems and firing procedures. The command-and-control mechanisms and equipment performance are validated at the same time, serving as crucial references for future training planning and force development, with the goal of building a strong and reliable elite fighting force.

President LAI, CHING-TE visited Kaohsiung this morning to inspect the Hai-An Exercise No. 12 of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA). He expressed his gratitude to CGA personnel for shouldering the great responsibility of being the 'Guardians of the Blue Homeland,' protecting the lives and property of the people. President Lai also stated that the Executive Yuan has allocated a special budget from surplus of previous fiscal years to help the CGA acquire more advanced equipment and technology to safeguard every grain of national territory. He called on all political parties, regardless of affiliation, to stand united in supporting CGA personnel, jointly defending national security, and protecting the democracy and freedom of Taiwan. Upon his arrival, President Lai, accompanied by Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister KUAN, BI-LING and other officials, first visited the CGA to inspect various equipment, including mobile thermal imaging system, actual machines and simulators of UAV, remote-controlled turret with 20mm cannon, side-scan sonar system, rescue ATVs, 3D underwater imaging system, and MOD positioning devices. He then proceeded to the observation deck to inspect exercises such as "interception and capture," "rigging rescue," and the "maritime and aerial parade." During the exercise, it was simulated that a passenger ferry traveling between Taiwan and Penghu was hijacked by terrorists, with some modified speedboats backing up. Upon receiving orders, the CGA special operations forces immediately deployed two assault boats to pursue and capture the speedboats. The team then split into two groups, one abseiled down from the UH-60 Black Hawk of the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC), while the other boarded the ferry via rope from the assault boats. They launched a coordinated assault to subdue the terrorists and regain control of the ferry. After the suppression and arresting were done, the team notified the Air Rescue Group to evacuate injured hostages to the nearest medical facility by rigging rescue, and thus completed the rescue mission successfully. Following the exercise, a joint maritime and aerial parade was conducted sequentially by various vessels of the CGA, the NASC of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and the Air Rescue Group. It was breathtaking onsite, and many people raised their phones to capture the moment. This exercise offered the public an immersive experience and a vivid demonstration of the CGA’s capabilities and determination to defend our maritime territory. After the exercise, President Lai delivered a speech thanking the CGA, the R.O.C. Armed Forces, and the MOI for their close cooperation. He noted that through the " Hai-An Exercise No. 12," a comprehensive review of the maritime security system was completed, and the exercise showcased Taiwan’s ability to respond promptly and handle maritime emergencies effectively and thoroughly. It was "National Ocean Day" today, he took this occasion to pay tribute to the ocean and to demonstrate Taiwan’s resilience to the world. In recent years, despite the rapid shifts in global geopolitics, the increasingly frequent extreme weather events, and the relentless gray-zone threats from the R.R.C., the CGA personnel kept remaining on the front lines and enforcing the law firmly. Whether combating crime, cracking down on smuggling, or conducting search and rescue missions, they have remained committed to protecting the lives and property of the Taiwanese people. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly complex maritime security challenges, determination alone is not enough, continued investment in resources is essential. Recently, the Executive Yuan allocated NT$410 billion in special budget from surplus of previous fiscal years, which aimed at building new coast guard vessels, deploying drones and a smart island-wide surveillance system, as well as upgrading personnel training and professional equipment. As OAC Minister KUAN, BI-LING said, "our coast guard must no longer be night-blind." This is not just about upgrading equipment, it represents the continuous strengthening of national security and resilience. President Lai urged the Legislative Yuan to stand together, regardless of party affiliation, in supporting CGA personnel and to back the Executive Yuan’s special budget, which will equip the CGA with the most advanced technologies and gear to protect every grain of the nation’s territory and safeguard the safety and dignity of the Taiwanese people. In conclusion, President Lai once again expressed his appreciation to all CGA personnel and members of the R.O.C. Armed Forces. He affirmed that the government will continue to integrate efforts from all ministries and agencies to strengthen the all-out defense resilience, work together to safeguard national security and protect Taiwan’s democracy and freedom.

At midnight, while civilians were asleep, trainees of the ROC Army’s “Amphibious Reconnaissance Reserve Training Class 161” sprang into action at 0300 hours today, alerted by the sound of firecrackers. Five trainees swiftly assembled with high spirits at the Liaoluo Training Area and surrounding training grounds to commence a rigorous three-day, two-night ordeal, commonly known as “Hell Week.” On the first day of the final assessment, the trainees began with intensive calisthenics warm-ups before gearing up and setting out, carrying 35 kilograms of equipment to complete a 10-kilometer march within two hours. This tested not only their physical strength and endurance but also posed a significant challenge to their willpower. During the march, instructors periodically issued special scenarios, evaluating the trainees’ mental resilience, judgment, and other critical skills. After completing the loaded march, the trainees proceeded to Liaoluo Wharf to undergo tests such as coastal infiltration. They boarded Sea Dragon boats, disembarked 500 meters from shore, and switched to armed swimming to reach land. They executed continuous tactical maneuvers, including reconnaissance, diamond formation searches, and wet-to-dry transitions, advancing toward the target area while demonstrating exceptional teamwork among comrades.

The ROC Army’s 2025 “Precision Missile Firing—Eagle Strike Exercise” commenced yesterday (July 14) in the southern region. On the first day, units including the Army Aviation 601st and 602nd Brigades and the Flight Training Command participated, deploying AH-64E and AH-1W attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters equipped with Hellfire missiles to engage maritime targets, verifying the routine training outcomes and battlefield adaptability of Army Aviation personnel. Yesterday’s exercise included daytime live-fire shooting and scheduled nighttime operations. In low-visibility conditions, pilots utilized night vision equipment to precisely lock onto maritime targets. After launching Hellfire missiles, the missiles’ tail flames trailed light, piercing the night sky and tracing brilliant arcs in the air, accompanied by explosive sounds as the missiles accurately struck their targets. Subsequently, pilots deployed flares and executed tactical disengagement. Through nighttime live-fire shooting, pilots gained practical combat experience while demonstrating the Army Aviation units’ all-weather combat and nighttime firing capabilities. The “Eagle Strike Exercise” is a key annual firing training for the ROC Army, designed to train pilots in independent decision-making under various scenarios, test on-the-spot reactions and target acquisition, enhance proficiency in combat procedures, strengthen formation coordination and fire control capabilities, and verify routine training outcomes to bolster overall combat capabilities.