MNA

The 22nd Military Operations Research and Modeling and Simulation Forum was held today at National Tsing Hua University. Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien and National Tsing Hua University President W. John Kao jointly attended the opening ceremony. Experts and scholars from various sectors were invited to exchange views on key defense technology issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), modeling and simulation, autonomous systems, and unmanned systems, with the aim of enhancing the nation’s overall scientific research capabilities. Vice Minister Hsu stated that rapid changes in the international security environment and advances in technology had transformed the nature of modern warfare. He noted that unmanned systems and AI technologies had become critical components of future defense capabilities. Emphasizing that “technology is the future of the Republic of China, and Taiwan’s technological development has always remained at the forefront of innovation,” he expressed hope that Taiwan’s technology sector would continue contributing to the development of the national defense industry and strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities. Vice Minister Hsu further pointed out that one of the key challenges facing defense technology development involved not only unmanned systems themselves but also the integration of various weapons platforms and systems. This included the effective integration of domestically developed and foreign-procured equipment. He noted that substantial technological support was required to enable rapid target identification, threat assessment, and weapons allocation, thereby enhancing overall defense operational effectiveness. President W. John Kao stated that military technology had long served not only as a driving force behind national defense development but also as the source of many innovations that had transformed modern life. Technologies such as the Internet and the Global Positioning System (GPS) had originated from military research and development efforts, demonstrating that the defense sector had also been a significant catalyst for technological innovation. President Kao noted that National Tsing Hua University had long been committed to promoting technological innovation and technology transfer. Earlier this year, the university established the nation’s first university-led “Tsing Hua University Science Park” to further integrate campus research capabilities and accelerate the transition of research outcomes from laboratories to society and industry. He also announced that the university would soon launch the NT$1 billion “Tsing Hua Future Fund,” which would provide resources to help researchers, students, and industry partners overcome the so-called “valley of death” in the innovation process and further strengthen Taiwan’s technological competitiveness. During the keynote session, Professor Shang-Hong Lai of the Department of Computer Science at National Tsing Hua University delivered a presentation titled “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in National Defense,” in which he explored the use of AI technologies in defense-related scenarios. In addition, Dr. Shih-Pin Kou, Senior Advisor at the National Defense University, presented “How Autonomous Edge Uses Decentralized Command to Direct Autonomous Unmanned Operations,” sharing recent developments in autonomous operations and distributed command systems. Furthermore, exhibition booths established by universities, manufacturers, and enterprises from Taiwan and abroad were displayed around the forum venue, showcasing a wide range of defense-related technologies and capabilities. Exhibits included modeling and simulation systems, intelligent training solutions, AI-assisted decision-making technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, counter-drone systems, digital battlefield services, and autonomous command-and-control solutions. These exhibits highlighted the latest achievements in the development of intelligent defense technologies.

Vice Minister for Policy Hsu Szu-Chien stated today that the “Special Act on Procurement for Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities” was proposed in response to enemy threats and joint operations requirements. The overall planning covered capability construction in strike, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance, command and control, unmanned systems, and sustained combat capabilities. These various capabilities were interdependent and could not be arbitrarily reduced or postponed. He hoped that all political parties would jointly support national defense buildup and the enhancement of defense resilience. The Executive Yuan held a press conference after its meeting this morning, during which Vice Minister Hsu explained issues related to the special defense act. Vice Minister Hsu pointed out that this special budget adopted a one-time, large-scale investment approach. In addition to accelerating combat power acquisition, it could also provide long-term stable demand for domestic industries and drive the development of unmanned systems and the national defense industry. If the budget were changed to annual allocations, it would affect the military buildup timeline and the effectiveness of equipment integration. Regarding military procurement progress, Vice Minister Hsu stated that the relevant military procurement cases had all completed preliminary coordination with the U.S. side and obtained formal letters of supply assurance. The Ministry of National Defense would continue to maintain close communication and coordination with the U.S. side to ensure smooth advancement of all procurement cases. In addition, Vice Minister Hsu emphasized that promoting large-scale and long-term procurement of unmanned systems and related equipment through the special budget would not only help rapidly enhance combat power but also assist domestic manufacturers in investing in research and development and production capacity building, thereby strengthening defense self-reliance and supply chain resilience.

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.

Lieutenant General Chen, Yu-Lin, Director General of the Political Warfare Bureau at the Ministry of National Defense (MND), met today with personnel who obtained their Social Worker Licenses in the first half of 2025. She praised their efforts and achievements in advancing professional skills and enhancing the psychological counseling capabilities within the R.O.C. Armed Forces, encouraged them to continue pursuing lifelong learning to further strengthen the mental health support capacity in military. In the morning, Director General Chen presented awards to recognize four service members who obtained their Social Worker Licenses in the first half of this year: Lieutenant Colonel Wu, Chia-Rung, Major Ku, Hsin-Chi, Captain Liu, Po-Tao, and Captain Lu, Kuan-Hung. She commended their dedication and hard work throughout the certification process, noting their profession and a strong passion for psychological counseling work. Director General Chen stated that, to effectively address the psychological counseling needs of military personnel, the MND launched the “Military Mental Health Care Program” in recent years. This initiative adopts the method of “self-booking without referral”, allowing service members to directly seek assistance from civilian mental health counseling providers without going through their unit or the military’s Mental Health Center for assessment or coordination. Under this program, everyone is entitled to six free counseling sessions per year. Since its launch in mid-February this year, over 1,200 service members have utilized the service, demonstrating its tangible benefits for the well-being of military personnel. Director General Chen encouraged the newly certified individuals to maintain their enthusiasm for learning after obtaining licenses. She urged them to continue gaining social experience and refining the psychological support capabilities of the R.O.C. Armed Forces. When taking on frontline roles in counseling work, they should provide timely feedback and sharing insights that could benefit the well-being of primary level personnel, which is vital for helping relevant departments develop effective, supportive policies and truly implement comprehensive care for service members. In addition, to encourage psychological counselors within the R.O.C. Armed Forces to enhance their professional knowledge and capabilities, the Fu Hsing Kang College, National Defense University, in collaboration with the Political Warfare Education and Training Center of the MND, has been jointly organizing the “Counseling Psychologist and Social Worker License Training Program” since 2018. This program aims to support military counseling personnel in obtaining certifications as licensed counseling psychologists and social workers—and has achieved remarkable results.

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.

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.