MNA

The 269 Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted "Exercise No. 113-4 of Joint Operation Training Test" in the Joint Operations Training Base Command (JOTBC) tonight. The main ground forces and artillery troops fired live ammunition at the target area according to the action letter to verify the troops' capabilities of nocturnal command and management and deployment of military strength and firepower to strengthen the actual combat efficiency. This nocturnal test occurred in the JOTBC and started with artillery firing flares. With solid training, officers and soldiers completed ammunition loading at night and the aiming process by means of night vision devices. Once the commander gave the order, an attack was launched at the target area with the fire support of army aviation and artillery, leading to the successful completion of the testing task. The testing process was divided into three stages: "preemptive attack," "attack implementation," and "battlefield clearing." Officers and soldiers drove CM11 Brave Tiger, CM32 armored infantry command vehicles, and CM33 and CM34 armored infantry fighting vehicles, operated weapons such as the 105mm tank gun, 30mm chain gun, and 40mm grenade machine gun. Besides, they coordinated with the fire support of army aviation attack helicopters and artillery to conduct nocturnal firing of live ammunition, showcasing their training results.

Nine units including anti-armor troops of the Army and Marine Corps continued to perform the "Tianma Exercise" mission at Fangshan Range in Pingtung this afternoon. Each unit resorted to "testing for training" and fired live rounds of new and old Tow Missile launch systems as a test of proficiency of firing procedures among servicemen as well as to enhance the firing effectiveness of precision weapons. The new "M41A7 ITAS Tow Missile Launch System" can be used to fire towed 2A and 2B missiles. It is equipped with features such as integrated handle control modules, laser infrared distance measurements, auxiliary aiming locks, and automatic detection function. All such functions can greatly improve the engagement and fast response capabilities of officers and soldiers, accurately lock on enemy armored units, and improve the firing target rate. The system can be vehicle-mounted or ground-mounted. For this exercise, it was mounted on a M1167 Hummer for testing. As pointed out by Captain Chan, an instructor from Army Infantry Training Command, since the M1167 Hummer is equipped with 190 horsepower, it boasts a maximum speed of 113 km/per hour. A new protective steel plate has also been added to the shooter's position, which can withstand shots from weapons less than 7.62 mm, while its car body is also strengthened with armor to endure weapons attacks of less than 12.7 mm.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Taiwan Steel Group Hawks (TSG Hawks) baseball team held a professional baseball game at the Chengching Lake Baseball Stadium themed on "Brave-Eagle Warriors" today. Service personnel and their families were invited to the stadium to support baseball and promote the protection of our homeland jointly by the Armed Forces and our nationals. The event kicked off with an enthusiastic applause from the fans, while representative servicemen of the Air Force were arranged to come onto the field and lead the fans in singing our national anthem. Major General Yang, Captain of the 6th Wing of the Air Force, and Colonel Ma, Deputy Captain, lead the singing. As the music of our national anthem music sounded, all officers, soldiers, players, and fans at the scene stood tall singing the national anthem in unison, showing a great sense of patriotism. The kick-off ceremony was then held, with Major General Yang and Colonel Ma serving as the pitcher and hitter respectively, representing the servicemen of the Air Force standing steadfastly with the people as they show their determination to protect our air-space, receiving a warm and enthusiastic applause from the audience. As the MND encourages participation of officers and soldiers in themed-based professional baseball to stimulate morale and a sense of honor among servicemen and nationals, it also recognizes the support of our nationals towards national defense affairs.

The year 2024 marks the 66th anniversary of the 823 Battle. President Lai Ching-te paid a visit to Kinmen this morning and hosted the "Remembrance Ceremony for the 66th Victory Anniversary of the 823 Battle", and had a luncheon with the officers and soldiers and family of the deceased. The President thanked the martyrs of the 823 Battle for their sacrifice and dedication, and hoped that everyone would continue to uphold the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future, safeguard national sovereignty, and defend the life and property of our nationals. After the President arrived in Kinmen, he went to the Martyrs' Shrine at Mount Taiwan and officiated the sacrificial ritual, offering incense, flowers, and gifts to the martyrs. After the master of ceremonies read the memorial text, the President led accompanying mourners to bow in expressing their condolences, then going to the tomb section of the Cemetery at Mount Taiwan, and attended a memorial ceremony to express his heartfelt condolences and gratitude to the martyrs for their selfless dedication to the country. The President met with many bereaved family members today. During the reception, he rendered his respect to all family members of the deceased, and expressed thanks to everyone's families for their contribution to the country as the 823 Battle will always remain in our collective history and memories. The President also rendered his gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) for arranging the gathering, and hoped that we maintain the spirit of the 823 Battle in the future and that the sacrifice of all service personnel who participated in this battle will not be in vain. The President emphasized that the government has continuously improved the military combat capabilities of our country in recent years, and the military budget next year will be further expanded to ensure we continue to do so. In addition to taking care of officers and soldiers and protecting their rights and interests, the government will also improve training, and procure more sophisticated weapons and equipment. We will also continue to stand side by side with democratic countries as we demonstrate to the international community our determination to protect our country. Most of all, our country is willing to work with democratic allies to safeguard the peaceful development of the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. To finish, the President again expressed his most sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the 823 Battle on behalf of every national in the country. As the President noted, if it had not been for the determination, solidarity, and uncompromising spirit of these brave servicemen as they fought to prevail in this battle, Taiwan would not be where it is today. Facing the threat from Communist China, our only goal is to defend national sovereignty, safeguard democracy, and defend the life and property of our 23.5 million nationals.

The "Maritime Life Experience Camp" of the National Defense Education Summer Combat Camp National for 2024 is a national defense intellectual journey lasting four days and three nights. Today, students were arranged to sail on a Panshi warship to experience feeling of riding the wind and waves. Through exciting courses and personal experiences of maritime life, they learned about and generated a deeper interest in naval affairs. For the Maritime Life Experience Camp, a number of practical courses were arranged on warships in the morning, and trainees were taught about rope knotting, putting on fireproof clothing and equipment, how to identify hand-flags, and other experiences. Through various practical exercises, they experienced the daily training of officers and soldiers, and learned about the Navy and national defense up close. The highlight of the day was the "Sea Refueling Operation." This was a course to which many trainees had been most looking forward. However, they were unable to successfully complete the sea replenishment exercise due to adverse sea conditions. The trainees could not hide their disappointment, however, following an explanation from cadres, they gained a deeper understanding about naval officers and soldiers as they steadfastly safeguard our sea territory. After a simulation exercise, the trainees waved goodbye to the supply vessels, leaving with wonderful memories of the event.