MNA

The 234th Mechanized Infantry Brigade recently conducted a nighttime live-fire "Training and Testing No.112-9 Exercise of Tri-service Joint Operations" at the Joint Operations Training Base to verify the troops' ability to manage communications, and troop and firepower utilization at nighttime to help enhance combat effectiveness. This test was carried out at the Joint Training Operations Based of the three armed forces. The test started after dusk, and the artillery fired illumination bombs to kick off the live ammunition test. With solid training, servicemen from the 1st Joint Operations Battalion completed ammunition loading, hit the target, and engaged in other procedures using night vision equipment. As the commander delivered orders, the servicemen immediately launched attacks on the target areas with fire support from the Aviation and Special Forces and artillery, and successfully completed the test missions. The 234th Mechanized Infantry Brigade stated that this test was carried out with real soldiers and live ammunition, following the guidance from the Ministry of National Defense (MND) as they comprehensively made use of night vision goggles to conduct nighttime live-fire combat training, while measures such as using auxiliary lights at target areas and fluorescent markings at shooting areas were abolished. Servicemen therefore had to rely on combat skills, armored vehicles, and individual portable night vision equipment to conduct live ammunition shooting at night. Such practice helps servicemen to get closer to actual combat scenarios, test their night combat capabilities, and enhance practical experience, thus helping to improve combat capabilities.

The 3rd Joint Operations Battalion of the 234th Mechanized Infantry Brigade conducted the Training and Test No. 112-10 Exercise of Tri-service Joint Operations yesterday (18th). During the operation, the artillery unit was responsible for the task of fire support, whereas servicemen took up their positions, set up the firing command post, and loaded ammunition. Servicemen then implemented firing with the 155mm howitzer, accurately hitting the target area, and providing effective cover for primary attacking forces. All of these efforts demonstrated the excellent strike capabilities of the artillery force.

In response to the harassment from airborne balloons by the CCP, Major General Sun Li-fang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense (MND), responded at a press conference today that if airborne balloons cause serious harm on the ground, the Armed Forces shall engage in a counterattack. However, if the risk is not high, it such activity shall instead be considered gray-zone harassment and the Armed Forces will not engage in a counterattack as desired by the CCP. Major General Sun, MND spokesperson, pointed out that the Armed Forces will continue to make use of various joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures, and airborne aircraft to stay abreast of relevant developments. Countermeasures of the military are also based on important principles, including studying and judging the adversary's intentions. Based on the current analysis of related information, their objective is to use gray-zone threats to engage in a cognitive attack. Colonel Wang Jia-jun, Vice Director of the Offices of the Deputy Chief of General Staff (CGSs) for Operations and Planning, added that as the CCP has adopted aerial balloons for harassment, the Armed Forces remains alert and shall respond accordingly. The Armed Forces will also not make way for the CCP's asymmetric operations to disrupt combat readiness and response, thus helping the CCP in achieving their objective of depleting the military weapons of our Armed Forces. Should airborne balloons enter densely populated areas, notifications will be released to all units for close monitoring, and each combat area will be asked to meticulously remain alert to any incidents. In response to questions from the media, Colonel Huang Ming-jie, an intelligence officer from the Intelligence Research Center of the Offices of the CGSs for Intelligence, explained that airborne balloons were detected both in the morning and evening, but no wreckages have been found. Based on recent data analysis, the CCP is conducting gray-zone harassment against us as it carries out cognitive operation warfare activities.