MNA

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) is holding a two-day all-out defense education campaign in collaboration with Feng Chia University today. This morning, the Army Aviation 602nd Brigade specially dispatched AH-1W SuperCobra and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to land at the sports field in the university, allowing the public to experience up close the powerful wind and sound of the helicopters. Through the display of military equipment, visitors of all ages were able to experience the national defense first-hand, understand it, thereupon foster support for nationwide defense. During the campaign, in addition to dynamic flight demonstrations of these two types of helicopters, various active military equipment was showcased, including the CM-32/33 Armored Vehicle, field broadcast vehicle, TOW Missile Carrier, and the field ambulance which is firstly open to public. These displays highlighted the military’s diverse mobility and rescue capabilities. At the same time, multiple interactive experience and recruitment booths were set up on-site, allowing visitors to wear combat gear, try on chemical protection suits, and participate in psychological warfare unit puzzle challenges and other mini-games. These activities provided attendees with memorable and novel experiences, helping to bridge the gap between the military and civilians. Major Chiu, the team leader responsible for the helicopter landing mission, stated that upon receiving the assignment, he immediately started the planning of all flight safety details and led his team to conduct site inspections and simulated test flights to ensure a flawless mission. This was the first time a helicopter landing was performed on the Feng Chia University campus. Major Chiu emphasized that under the premise of ensuring flight and public safety, the event also aimed to showcase the hard work and training achievements of the R.O.C. Armed Forces, with a hope that younger generation interested in serving the nation would consider joining the Armed Forces to contribute to the defense of their homeland. In addition, the "Taiwan International Model Show – Taichung Weei Cup and Science Fantasy" was held simultaneously at Feng Chia University, featuring exquisite models across 11 categories, including military vehicles, military aircraft, ships, and science fiction. The MND also established the "MND Special Prize for All-out Defense Education " to recognize participants whose creations highlight military equipment, helping to raise public awareness of the armed forces.

In response to enemy threats in recent years, the Marine Corps supported actively the Navy’s force transformation and mission adjustments. Security Battalions are established under the Air Defense & Base Guard Group, along with an Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit, which are tasked respectively with conducting land-based security operations and carrying out maritime security missions using M109 assault boats, to ensure the smooth execution of both land and naval operations. The Security Battalion under the Air Defense & Base Guard Group of ROCMC was established at the end of last year as part of the force transformation initiative. Its mission is to provide security for land-based mobile missile crews and mobile radar crews, ensuring their mobility throughout the mission and the safety of their positions. In recent years, the Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit has actively adapted its mission in response to enemy threats and the joint force planning directives of Ministry of National Defense (MND). With the Navy’s integration concept, the unit employs M109 assault boats to carry out maritime security missions, ensuring the successful execution of mine-laying operations and the integrity of designated minefields. Lieutenant Colonel Kuo, commander of the 1st Security Battalion under the Air Defense & Base Guard Group, explained that the battalion’s primary mission is to provide cover and protection for mobile missile and radar crews during their operations, along with route reconnaissance and position security, with most missions conducted using vehicles for mobile escort. Compared to traditional infantry, personnel must be more proficient in vehicle operation and driving, as well as possess basic troubleshooting skills to handle unexpected situations and carry out convoy tactics effectively. In addition, they must be familiar with the equipment used by the mobile crews under protection, so they can take over and complete the mission if there are casualties among escorted personnel. Lieutenant Colonel Kuo stated that in addition to basic combat skills, the unit regularly conducts scenario-based training to prepare personnel for responding to enemy threats. These responses are tested and validated during readiness patrols conducted by mobile crews, aiming to achieve a combat capability characterized by "rapid response and immediate deployment," thereby ensuring national security. The First Lieutenant Kang, a leader from the Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit, stated that upon receiving a mine-laying security mission order, the unit will quickly assemble and deploy from port to conduct defensive mine-laying escort operations in a standby posture. Throughout the mission, they will provide full escort for mine-laying vessels between the designated minefield and the loading port. At the same time, they will seize opportunities to harass enemy obstacle-clearing ships and aerial threats, aiming to delay their actions, disrupt their attack tempo, and preserve the integrity of the minefield. The First Lieutenant Kang also noted that the M109 special operations assault boat possesses excellent maneuverability, allowing it to effectively carry out enemy suppression and counter-special forces operations. Its agility enables rapid and appropriate responses to various threat scenarios, ensuring the successful completion of missions assigned by higher command. Amid escalating enemy threats in recent years, the ROCMC continues to adapt its force structure in line with ongoing transformation efforts, adjusting missions and troop deployment accordingly. Through the Security Battalion under the Air Defense & Base Guard Group and the Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit, the Marine Corps carries out both land and maritime security operations. These efforts ensure the safe and effective execution of mobile missile, radar crews, and mine-laying missions. By integrating rapid response and immediate deployment capabilities, the Marine Corps are ready to defend coastal waters and safeguard national security.

Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Jiang Guanghua, recently visited the Air Force's Kangshan Base, accompanied by the Commander of the Flight Training Department, Major General Wu. They presided over the "Combat Group AJT Aircraft Conversion Training Flight Mission Overview." The event gathered instructors, staff members, and trainees to discuss the subsequent training plans, review the conversion training, and provide suggestions for improvement. The goal was to encourage all instructors and trainees to put in their best efforts and create a better education and training environment for the Air Force. Deputy Commander Jiang first listened to a briefing on the preparation status of the advanced trainer aircraft and the subsequent conversion training curriculum and key focus areas. He engaged with the personnel on-site, hoping to refine and improve the conversion training process. After the briefing, the instructors provided a pre-flight mission briefing for the 112th Class B Combat Group trainees and conducted a 360-degree inspection, among other procedures. Following this, under the guidance of the instructors, the first group of AJT aircraft conversion trainees successfully took to the skies and completed their first flight training, marking a new milestone. Deputy Commander Jiang expressed that it is thanks to the continuous efforts and dedication of every loyal member of the Air Force that the Republic of China Air Force has reached its current status. He extended his recognition and gratitude to the instructors and trainees for their hard work. He also encouraged everyone to put in more effort, as this would allow future Air Force trainees to receive education in a more efficient, scientific, and comfortable environment, helping them grow and become strong members dedicated to defending the nation’s airspace.

President Lai Ching-te today visited the Yuping Post Office in Tainan to observe the "2025 Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee Field Exercise: Expanding Emergency Medical Locations." During his visit, President Lai expressed his appreciation to all participants involved in the exercise and preparation efforts. He also emphasized the importance of promoting future collaboration between central and local governments, leveraging civil forces, integrating cross-regional resources, and involving communities and civil organizations in nationwide defense resilience exercises. Upon arrival, the President was briefed on the exercise’s objectives and operations, including the setup of emergency medical locations. He then proceeded to observe various field operation areas, including the medical command center, regional coordination centers, mobile police stations, triage and emergency treatment zones, advanced surgical teams, and disaster psychological health units. In his speech, President Lai noted that this exercise marks the first field drill conducted by the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee. This scenario-based, unscripted exercise focused on "Expanding Emergency Medical Locations," with over 1,500 participants from central and local governments and private sector organizations. The President highlighted the professionalism displayed by all participants, which was a direct result of their regular training and preparedness. “Today’s success not only reflects the dedication and professionalism of all participants but also demonstrates several principles that we hope to continue promoting: first, close collaboration between central and local governments, as evidenced by the joint efforts of the Presidential Office, the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee, and the Tainan City Government; second, the involvement of civil forces, including organizations such as the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the Mustard Seed Mission and Show Ba Department Store Ltd.; third, the integration of cross-regional resources, with participation from Chiayi and Kaohsiung; and finally, the autonomous actions of community groups and volunteers, including the Huweiliao Volunteer Rescue Team, Songan Floods Community Recovery Shinan Resilience Community, Kainan Community and the Anping District,” President Lai said. He further expressed his gratitude to Premier Cho Jung-tai for leading the team, as well as Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang and Minister Without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng, who served as deputy advisors for the exercise. He also acknowledged the efforts of Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che and his city government team for their unwavering commitment. Additionally, President Lai acknowledged the crucial contributions of local medical personnel from institutions such as Chi Mei Hospital and National Cheng Kung University Hospital, along with other regional hospitals, clinics, and the involvement of volunteer police, firefighters, and traffic personnel. Since taking office, President Lai has emphasized the importance of national defense resilience, establishing the Nationwide Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Building upon the tabletop exercise held in December 2024, today’s small-scale field drill is a key step in strengthening Taiwan’s societal resilience. Looking ahead, the government plans to conduct additional exercises in April focused on town-level preparedness, ensuring Taiwan is ready to effectively respond to natural disasters, major accidents, or potential geopolitical shifts. “As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,’” President Lai concluded. “By preparing in advance, we can mitigate potential harm and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. Our collective efforts will ensure Taiwan's security and contribute to achieving long-term peace.” The event was also attended by senior officials, including Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an, National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Chao-hsieh, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che, and several diplomatic representatives from foreign missions in Taiwan.

In an effort to validate and enhance the defensive combat capabilities of its forces, the Army Matsu Defense Command successfully executed the first-quarter Yun Tai exercise today. The exercise, which involved personnel from various units, showcased a series of live-fire drills at designated target areas, demonstrating both the operational readiness and proficiency of the troops. Throughout the exercise, soldiers operated CM-21 armored vehicles to access firing positions and deployed a variety of weaponry, including 20mm autocannons, 50 caliber machine guns, 81mm mortars, and T74 machine guns, engaging both aerial and maritime targets. As night fell, upon the commander’s directive, all positions initiated their firing sequences. The battlefield was illuminated by a series of powerful flashes and the resonating sounds of artillery, underscoring the coordination and precision of the exercise. This operation not only reinforced the troops’ proficiency in weapon handling but also highlighted the significant outcomes of their rigorous training programs, ensuring high-level combat readiness for future defense operations.

President Lai Ching-te visited the Ministry of National Defense Wen-Hua base today to encourage the staff of Youth Daily News and the Military News Agency. He expressed his gratitude for their hard work, recognizing their role in countering cognitive warfare through the use of cameras, photography, vivid writing and video content. These efforts have effectively conveyed the correct concept of national defense to the public and demonstrated Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. Upon his arrival at the Wen-Hua base, President Lai first visited the Youth Daily News History Museum, where he toured displays of cultural products, newspaper production processes, and VR equipment. He then visited the Military News Agency, where he engaged in discussions with staff. During his visit, President Lai commended the staff for their role in resisting the "smokeless gunpowder," a form of cognitive warfare that combines military action with information dissemination to influence public sentiment and morale. He emphasized that their work is essential in protecting the nation’s security and that their importance is on par with that of the military's frontline combat units. President Lai noted, "You are the main force in defending against these attacks, and your efforts are as critical as those of our military’s primary combat forces. In the face of China’s persistent united front tactics, gray zone operations, and cognitive warfare, the Military News Agency and Youth Daily News have proactively countered these efforts with timely media responses, including infographics and short videos." The President also highlighted the impact of military media in fostering a sense of proximity between the public and the national military. "Thanks to your efforts, the people of Taiwan now feel that the military is right beside them, reinforcing the importance of national defense and enhancing public confidence in the military and national security," President Lai stated. "This is the most powerful form of deterrence." In his remarks, President Lai encouraged everyone to continue utilizing their professional skills in military media to tell the story of Taiwan’s military and convey the country’s unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom. He stressed the importance of strengthening media operations and strategic communication to unite the people, lead the cognitive battlefield, and achieve the goal of enhancing the overall strength of Taiwan's military forces. "By leveraging your media and communication expertise, you will help consolidate national consensus and elevate the readiness of our military," President Lai concluded. "Together, we will protect Taiwan’s security and demonstrate to the world our resolve to defend our nation."

The 115th Class of Watercraft Specialist from the Underwater Operations Unit (UOU) of 192 Naval Fleet conducted its final evaluation today. Through a series of high-intensity and continuous physical and professional skill tests, the trainees were challenged on their endurance, willpower, and underwater operational capabilities in severe conditions. After several months of rigorous training, the trainees successfully passed the final evaluation, demonstrating their solid combat capabilities. They were also awarded the "Golden Dragon Badge," symbolizing their official status as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important mission of safeguarding the maritime borders. The final evaluation began at dawn and before the sunrise. The trainees started by a 2-kilometer swim without equipment in the sea, testing their endurance and self-rescue abilities in strong currents and cold temperatures. After going ashore, they immediately transitioned to rubber dinghy march, carrying the rubber dinghy on their shoulders and moved forward to the next testing point. The entire process should be done with teammates, which is a test for both teamwork and physical limits. Hereafter, the trainees continued with an 11-kilometer jogging, running from the Brigade 1st Road to the Taoziyuan Beach. Their physical strength was continuously drained throughout the process; only with strong willpower were they able to reach the terminal point successfully. Upon reaching Taoziyuan Beach, the trainees began integrated combat skills training on the beach and waterline right away. In this challenging environment, they underwent various physical and combat skills tests, including crawling forward, kicking when back floating, and bear-hug exercises, aimed at strengthening individual physical fitness and obedience to instructor’s commands. Throughout the process, the trainees had to push their physical and mental limits, ensuring an accurate execution even under high pressure. In the afternoon, the training entered its final stage, with the trainees diving to a depth of 7 meters underwater through free diving. They were tasked with retrieving the "Golden Dragon Badge," a symbolize of honor, to test their underwater adaptability and the execution preciseness of their mission. Once each trainee successfully completed the task, the UOU Commanding Officer, Colonel CHEN, along with other officers, pinned the "Golden Dragon Badge" on the trainees' chests. This ceremony officially marked them as naval underwater operations specialists, entrusted with the important responsibilities of executing underwater operations, port maintenance, and underwater search and rescue missions in the future. The training content of the Watercraft Specialist Class is rigorous, with all courses designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in underwater operations. Trainees undergo strict testing in various aspects, including physical training, equipment operation, underwater operation techniques, and crisis response capabilities. Those who pass are equipped with the ability to carry out high-risk underwater missions. This final evaluation not only assessed the trainees' training outcome, but also ensured they professional skills and mental resilience when facing challenges in the future. This is an injection of new talent into the underwater operations capabilities of R.O.C. Armed Forces, making sure that the Navy can execute its missions flawlessly.

To strengthen the battlefield adaptability of officers and soldiers, the 333 Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted an "Operational Plan Exercise" today. With live troops and military vehicles, the exercise simulated battlefield scenarios to verify the combat readiness and crisis response capabilities of the troops, which demonstrates the determination of the R.O.C. armed forces to defend national security and protect the homeland. This exercise focused on the "anti-airborne assault" subject, assuming scenarios such as "enemy airstrikes," "battlefield casualty evacuation," and "drone attacks and disturbances." Upon receiving the situation reports, officers and soldiers immediately implemented their tactical plans to respond and take action. They then maneuvered to advantageous positions according to the plan, employed firepower and tactical movements skillfully to eliminate the enemy successfully. This exercise aimed to strengthen the professional capabilities of the Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) to effectively respond to the ever-changing dynamics of the battlefield. Private 1st class ZHOU CHUN-JIE, a one-year conscript who participated in the exercise, said that although the training and evaluating process was tough, participating in the actual exercises of the troops allowed him to become familiar with the operation of weapons and equipment. He also learned to adapt to community life and gained valuable experiences and memories throughout his military career.

The Deputy Minister of National Defense, General CHUNG SHU-MING, visited the Kaohsiung area today to inspect and oversee the progress of the Navy's "Weihai Project" and the construction of military dormitories. In addition to recognizing the hard work of the personnel and construction teams involved in the project, he encouraged the relevant departments to fulfill their environmental responsibilities, maintain good relations with neighborhood, and ensure the project is completed timely, safely, and with high quality. The Deputy Minister CHUNG, accompanied by Administrative Deputy Minister, Vice- Admiral HUANG YU-MIN and other related personnel, visited the Zhenghe Camp for an inspection and supervision in the morning. He firstly listened to a progress report on the execution of the "Weihai Project," then inspected the actual situations of the renovation work at the "Zhenghe Dormitory," "Haigong New Village," and "Cihui Ninth Village" and provided working guidance. The Deputy Minister CHUNG stated that the "Weihai Project" is the largest military harbor project of our country in recent years. Once completed, it will meet the support needs for vessel repairs, supply, docking, training, and typhoon precaution. This will enhance the overall combat capability and operational sustainability of the Navy, assist in developing the naval strength and ensuring the maritime borders security and the protection of national sovereignty. The Deputy Minister CHUNG reminded the relevant departments that any project comes with risks. They should objectively assess and filter potential safety hazards based on different environmental and human factors. It is essential to follow measures such as "Standard Operating Procedures," "Dual Supervision and Reporting," and "Analysis of High-Risk Safety Items for the Following Week" to implement effective risk management and achieve the goal of "safety for personnel, operations, and equipment."

In order to strengthen the "actual combat" capabilities of related troops, the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion, 39th Chemical Group, recently carried out the "Base Operations Plan and Combat Readiness Mission Evaluation." Despite challenging weather conditions, the officers and soldiers demonstrated excellent teamwork and successfully completed various tests, enhancing their professional capabilities in operational support. The troops completed assembly at midnight and immediately transferred to the surrounding beaches of a southern port to carry out support operations of smoke screen during the counterflak phase. Before the dawn, the officers and soldiers established an extensive smoke screen successfully by operating the M3A3 mechanical smoke generators to cover the troops’ movements and complete the mission perfectly. Sergeant TSAI of the 3rd Smoke Screen Company of the Smoke Screen Battalion stated that this evaluation is not only a training results verification of the officers and soldiers', but also a test of the team's cohesion. From the deployment of smoke generators to logistical support, every detail is interconnected. As the leader of smoke screen squad, it is essential to lead the team, continuously improve professional skills, and demonstrate the combat support capabilities of chemical group.