MNA

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien presided over the “2026 Urban Resilience Exercise Review Meeting” at the Armed Forces Reserve Command today. All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Director-General Lieutenant General Liao Chien-hsing, Executive Yuan Office of Disaster Management Director Wang Yi-wen, Armed Forces Reserve Command Commander Lieutenant General Yu Wen-chen, and representatives of central government ministries and agencies, local governments, and units of the ROC Armed Forces attended the meeting to review the conduct of this year’s exercise. The meeting opened with the recognition of outstanding units. On behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, Vice Minister Hsu presented certificates of merit to the units that had performed outstandingly in the exercise, acknowledging their efforts and contributions to exercise preparations and encouraging them to continue strengthening civil-military integration mechanisms and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. In his remarks, Vice Minister Hsu said that this year, for the first time, severe wartime scenarios were incorporated into the Urban Resilience Exercise. Through practical drills, existing plans, response mechanisms, and preparedness efforts were examined in order to identify problems, review their causes, and translate the lessons learned into concrete improvement measures that enhance wartime response capabilities. Vice Minister Hsu noted that next year’s Urban Resilience Exercise will be further integrated with the Han Kuang Exercise. In line with operational missions and the evolving battlefield situation, it will validate local governments’ capabilities in evacuation, combat casualty care, transportation, strategic communication, and support for Armed Forces operations, thereby strengthening the joint response mechanism among the central government, local governments, and the Armed Forces. Vice Minister Hsu emphasized that in wartime, the county- and city-level Local Joint Emergency Operations Centers (LJEOCs) must operate under the command of the Central Joint Emergency Operations Center (CJEOC), giving priority to supporting Armed Forces operations while also attending to tasks such as caring for the public and maintaining the functioning of local governments. All units should clarify their responsibilities and coordination procedures to ensure that military and civilian resources can be effectively integrated in wartime. Vice Minister Hsu said that the Armed Forces Reserve Command plans to hold a demonstration of how the “Mobilization and Civilian Resources Coordination Group”operates, and that in March next year selected counties and cities will conduct demonstration drills on civil-military integration, progressively establishing standard operating procedures for coordination between the military and civilian sectors. He also reminded local governments to take a thorough inventory of the resources they would need in wartime and of their existing capacities, so as to avoid duplicating the Armed Forces’ requirements and to improve the effectiveness of civil-military coordination and resource allocation. Vice Minister Hsu further noted that operator training on the Emergency Management Information Cloud (EMIC) system and the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) should be strengthened to improve the ability of the central government, local governments, and the Armed Forces to maintain a shared picture of response information. Problems identified during the exercise should be incorporated into follow-on preparedness and improvement efforts, and the results of those improvements should be continually verified through exercises and training, so as to ensure that all wartime response mechanisms function effectively and that national security is jointly safeguarded.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung spoke to the media at the Legislative Yuan this morning, taking questions on the recent budget unfreezing, the joint U.S.-Japan military exercise, and other issues. Asked by the media about the budget funds that have yet to be unfrozen, Minister Koo explained that with regard to last year’s defense budget and special budget, the Ministry of National Defense will continue to seek the consent of the legislators who sponsored the freeze motions and is coordinating with Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee Convener Wang Yi-chuan to place the relevant unfreezing items on the committee’s agenda for November 4. He expressed hope that the motions would win the support of committee members so that the defense budget can be executed smoothly. On the large-scale joint U.S.-Japan military exercise “Keen Sword 27” now under way, Minister Koo said that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific has become a strong consensus in the international community, which also regards it as a responsibility to be shared by all. Joint exercises and training by like-minded countries in the surrounding region demonstrate their resolve to safeguard regional peace and stability and deserve recognition, and he expressed hope that such exercises will proceed smoothly and successfully.

Asked about the relocation of Songshan Airport, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told the media at the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of National Defense had already clearly stated its position in its recent special report to the Legislative Yuan: Songshan Airport is a key node in the defense of the capital region and plays a vital military role in both peacetime and wartime, and both the feasibility of any alternative facilities and their ability to ensure continuity of military operations must be carefully assessed. Minister Koo pointed out that if the plan to relocate Songshan Airport involves military considerations, it must proceed on the premise that overall defense capabilities remain unaffected. Provided that the central government undertakes careful planning, the Ministry will provide its recommendations based on its professional expertise to ensure the continued effective functioning of the nation's security and defense mechanisms. In addition, asked by the media whether Cabinet members and local government heads had clashed during discussions at the Executive Yuan Council (Cabinet) meeting, Minister Koo stressed that there had been no so-called“war of words”at the meeting. Instead, the relevant ministries and agencies had fully expressed their views based on their respective responsibilities and professional expertise.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung attended a session of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee today to deliver a special report and field questions from legislators on “The Relocation of Songshan Airport and the Expansion of Taichung Airport: Realigning the Military and Civil Aviation Functions of Airports Nationwide” and on the draft amendments to certain articles of the All-Out Defense Education Act. Minister Koo stated that any adjustment to the functions of joint-use military-civilian airports should give top priority to national defense resilience and military missions, while also taking into account economic development and the public’s transportation needs. Such adjustments should be deliberated carefully and jointly by the relevant central government ministries and local governments in accordance with their respective responsibilities, so as to safeguard national security while giving due consideration to overall aviation resources and regional development. Addressing legislators’ ’ concerns about the impact of airport relocation on national security, Minister Koo further noted that joint-use military-civilian airports carry out important military missions in both peacetime and wartime and are critical facilities for national defense resilience. When assessing any relocation or functional realignment, the Ministry of National Defense will provide professional assessments based on national defense considerations to ensure that overall defense capabilities are not affected. Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Operations and Planning Lieutenant General Hou Chia-lun stated that airports are critical infrastructure for national air transport, military missions, emergency response, and logistical resupply, and that decisions on airport relocation or expansion should take into account overall national air transport needs, national security, aviation safety, balanced regional development, and fiscal efficiency. The Ministry of National Defense will adhere to the principles of “overall national planning, uncompromised defense missions, and balanced consideration of both military and civilian needs” in providing professional input on military missions, coordination between military and civil aviation, and national resilience requirements. Regarding the draft amendments to certain articles of the All-Out Defense Education Act, Minister Koo emphasized that the amendments involve aligning the Act with changes in government organization and refining the mechanisms for promoting all-out defense education. As the central competent authority for all-out defense education, the Ministry of National Defense will continue its work on public outreach, program implementation, and evaluation in order to build public consensus on all-out defense and instill the concept of all-out defense throughout society. Political Warfare Bureau Director-General Lieutenant General Shih Shun-wen explained that since its enactment and implementation in 2005, the All-Out Defense Education Act has produced significant results through the concerted efforts of the competent authorities concerned. The Ministry of National Defense has prepared recommendations on the draft amendments for legislators’ reference and will, in keeping with its responsibilities, continue to deepen all-out defense education in order to strengthen citizens’ patriotism and all-out defense awareness.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung appeared before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee this morning to deliver a special report and field questions from legislators. Speaking to the media before the session, Minister Koo stated that any relocation of a joint-use military-civilian airport must be carefully assessed in terms of its military missions and civilian uses in both peacetime and wartime. Asked by the media about the relocation of Songshan Airport, Minister Koo said that in addition to performing military missions related to national defense and security, Songshan Airportplays vital role in domestic air transport, including flights to outlying islands, medical evacuation, and operations of the National Airborne Service Corps. Whether and how these functions could be effectively replaced requires careful assessment from multiple perspectives, and the Ministry of National Defense will provide its professional input to ensure that overall defense capabilities are not affected. On the expansion of Taichung Airport, Minister Koo responded that the area designated for expansion to meet civil aviation demand is located in the Yangxi (west) zone, whereas the military area is located in the Yangdong (east) zone. The expansion will not affect the ROC Armed Forces' training or combat readiness missions. In response to media questions about concerns that increasing the defense budget would crowd out spending on civilian needs, Minister Koo stressed that the way to ensure national security and avoid military conflict is to establish effective deterrence, and that effective deterrence depends on strength. Strengthening self-defense capabilities through an increased defense budget is key to establishing effective deterrence and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; this has been the long-standing and consistent position of the Ministry of National Defense.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told reporters at the Legislative Yuan today that the Armed Forces planto introduce a dedicated pilot officer program, allowing eligible pilots to serve until age 58 while continuing to receive aviation duty allowances. The program aims to retain experienced pilots. Regarding drone procurement, the Ministry of National Defense will require disassembly inspections for all drone procurements, including small-value purchases to prevent chips from red supply chains from entering military systems. Addressing the plan to extend pilot officers’ service to age 58, Minister Koo said all pilots must undergo annual aviation medical examinations and periodic refresher training in aviation physiology, physical fitness, and G-force tolerance. Those who fail to pass the required training may no longer perform frontline flight duties. The applicable physical fitness requirements are highly stringent. Minister Koo further explained that the Ministry’s analysis had identified service-limit issues affecting pilot officers. Lieutenant colonels face a maximum service age of 48, while colonels are also subject to limits on their years of service. Those who are not promoted or do not transition to civil aviation must retire from the military. The Ministry therefore plans to introduce a dedicated pilot officer program under which eligible personnel may serve until age 58 while continuing to receive aviation duty allowances, thereby providing stronger incentives for them to remain in service. Minister Koo emphasized that pilot officers have a strong passion for their missions and take great pride in their profession. While ensuring that pilot officers continue to meet physical fitness requirements, the Armed Forces will extend their service and maintain relevant benefits to compete more effectively with the civil aviation sector. These measures will reduce the number of experienced, seasoned pilots compelled to pursue new careers in midlife because of age or service limits. Responding to questions about the alleged use of PRC-made chips in procured drones, Minister Koo said the Ministry is aware of the situation. No such problems have been identified in larger procurement projects. The concerns primarily involve several small-value procurements of two or four drones for which no disassembly inspections were conducted. Minister Koo said that, to prevent chips from red supply chains from entering military systems, the Ministry will require thorough disassembly inspections for all drone procurements. Even small-value procurements must undergo rigorous inspection to ensure procurement quality and supply chain security.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung appeared before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee today to present a special report on the current status of separations, retirements, and personnel recruitment among Armed Forces’ pilots, as well as measures to improve retention. He also responded to questions from legislators. Minister Koo said that, amid threats from the adversary and competition for talent from domestic and international civil aviation companies, the Ministry of National Defense has actively enhanced benefits and compensation while continuing to improve the service environment. The Ministry has completed its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force pilots and submitted it to the Executive Yuan for review. The plan would create additional positions and extend the service of eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels serving as flight officers, allowing them to remain on active duty voluntarily until age 58. Together with enhanced benefits and personnel training measures, the plan aims to extend pilots’ professional careers and ensure the fulfillment of combat readiness and training missions. Minister Koo noted that flight personnel have always been central to the Armed Forces’ air defense capabilities and that training them is both demanding and time-consuming. He thanked committee members for their concern regarding the current status of Armed Forces flight personnel. He expressed hope that the special report would provide legislators and the public with a clearer understanding of pilot separations and retirements, personnel replenishment, and retention measures, while garnering their guidance and support. In the special report, Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Personnel Lieutenant General Wang Chih-hui said that the Air Force had increased its authorized personnel strength in preparation for the delivery of new fighter aircraft. Flight personnel currently stand at 87.8 percent of authorized strength. All flight personnel who have separated or retired so far this year had completed their minimum legally required service. Among those who had not yet reached the maximum service limit for their ranks, decisions to pursue second careers in midlife and recruitment by commercial airlines expanding their fleets were the primary reasons for leaving upon completion of their initial service obligations or after 20 years of service. These factors have made retaining experienced flight personnel increasingly challenging. According to Lieutenant General Wang, initial training for flight personnel is conducted primarily through the regular programs at military academies and the Regular Flight Officer Program. Recruitment efforts through campus outreach and media campaigns have brought in enough flight students in recent years to meet training requirements. Since 2021, the Air Force has also systematically expanded its pilot training pipeline in preparation for the delivery of new F-16 aircraft. Regarding compensation, flight personnel receive base pay, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments. Those with at least 14 but fewer than 30 years of service who have completed their minimum active-duty service obligation may also apply for an active-duty retention bonus. In addition, since July 1 this year, aircrew members assigned to operational flying units have been eligible for a monthly Category I Combat Unit Allowance of NT$12,000, providing a further incentive to remain in service. Minister Koo said the Ministry continues to improve benefits, compensation, and the service environment to maintain stable flight capabilities. According to the special report, the Ministry submitted its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force flight officers to the Executive Yuan for review on September 4. The plan seeks to retain 72 highly qualified and experienced flight officers at the ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel who have served for at least 14 years. They would retain their ranks and could voluntarily extend their service until age 58 without being subject to the existing maximum service limits of 26 years for lieutenant colonels and 30 years for colonels. These officers would be assigned to operational squadrons, VIP Squadron and Presidential Flight Squadron, where they would continue performing combat readiness and training duties. The Ministry has also recommended that the Executive Yuan amend provisions of the Armed Forces Flight Officer Active-Duty Retention Bonus Schedule and the Armed Forces Aviation Duty Allowance Schedule. The amendments would allow these personnel to continue receiving retention bonuses, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments, providing a foundation for retaining experienced professionals.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told reporters at the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of National Defense is closely monitoring the PLA’s recent live-fire training. The Ministry will continue strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security with the determination to defend itself. Responding to questions about the PLA conducting live-fire dirlls in five maritime areas over five consecutive days, Minister Koo said the Ministry has a thorough understanding of the situation. Preliminary assessments indicate that the exercises involve firing drills by air defense artillery units stationed along China’s coast. Nevertheless, the Armed Forces continue to prepare for the full range of potential threats and closely monitor the PLA’s military training activities. Minister Koo emphasized that the PLA’s repeated exercises and military activities, which create instability across the Indo-Pacific, warrant close attention and condemnation. Asked about the deployment of anti-ship missiles on Yonaguni Island and observing of U.S.-Japan military exercises, Minister Koo said the U.S. military conducts necessary deployments in response to local threat conditions. He added that it would be inappropriate for the Ministry to comment extensively on specific details. From the Ministry’s perspective, the priority is to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security. Reporters also asked whether other countries would intervene in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait and about the Armed Forces’ preparations to defend Taiwan on their own. Minister Koo said that, consistent with established practice, the Ministry would not comment on how other like-minded democracies might become involved. The Armed Forces’ objective is to build robust self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security with the determination to defend the nation on their own. Regarding recent discussions about relocating Taipei Songshan Airport, Minister Koo explained that its redevelopment involves numerous considerations and requires careful evaluation. The responsible authorities at both the central and local levels should conduct a comprehensive assessment. He added that when the Ministry participates in the assessment, it will provide professional input to ensure that Taiwan’s overall defense capabilities are not compromised. On the progress of the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System for Taiwan’s F-16 fleet, Minister Koo said system integration testing has been completed in the United States. Delivery and installation of the modification kits are proceeding according to established milestones.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung stated during questioning at a Legislative Yuan plenary session today that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan remain under review in accordance with established procedures and that the relevant policy has not changed. Minister Koo added that production of the F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft is being accelerated, with more than 60 aircraft currently on the production line. Once testing has been completed, Taiwan will coordinate with the United States to arrange for the aircraft to be flown to Taiwan at an appropriate time. Taiwan is also discussing non-cash compensation with the United States for the delayed deliveries. Minister Koo accompanied Premier Cho Jung-tai to the Legislative Yuan plenary session this morning and responded to questions concerning the production progress of the F-16 Block 70 aircraft and other issues. Regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Minister Koo stated that the United States has indicated that the relevant cases remain under review and that Taiwan respects the U.S. review process. The United States has also repeatedly affirmed that its arms sales plans and policy toward Taiwan remain unchanged. Taiwan therefore looks forward to the prompt completion of the review process and awaits an announcement from the United States in due course. Addressing the delivery schedule for the F-16 Block 70 aircraft, Minister Koo stated that mass production is being accelerated, with more than 60 aircraft believed to be on the production line. Some of the aircraft that have completed production will undergo testing. Once the tests are completed, Taiwan will coordinate with the United States to arrange for the aircraft to be flown to Taiwan at an appropriate time. Regarding compensation for the delayed delivery of the F-16s, Minister Koo explained that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are conducted on a government-to-government basis. Taiwan is currently discussing non-cash compensation with the United States and will continue negotiating the specific forms and arrangements involved. Regarding the supplementary budget for drone procurement, Premier Cho explained that the relevant requirements were originally to be funded through a special budget. After the government decided to proceed through the annual budget process instead, waiting for the 2027 supplementary budget could have delayed the program by a year. The funding was therefore included in the 2026 supplementary budget. Minister Koo stated that, given the urgency of acquiring the drones, the government hopes to use the supplementary budget to get the program back on its original schedule and ensure that the combat capabilities are developed as originally planned.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told reporters today before attending a Legislative Yuan plenary session that military and defense exchanges between Taiwan and the United States have grown increasingly close. The Armed Forces continue to draw on U.S. operational experience and expert assessments to support force build-up, war preparation, and capability transformation. Regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense respects the U.S. review process and continues to coordinate with the United States. Responding to questions about Taiwan-U.S. military and defense exchanges, Minister Koo said bilateral engagement has indeed become increasingly close. Taiwan draws on U.S. operational experience and expert assessments in military and defense matters, which contributes to force build-up, war preparation, and capability transformation. He declined to disclose further details. Regarding U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, Minister Koo emphasized that the United States has repeatedly reaffirmed that its commitment to assisting Taiwan in strengthening its self-defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances remains unchanged. The Ministry respects the U.S. review process and continues to coordinate with the United States. It has not received any information regarding the reported “delivery in batches”. The Ministry will provide further information when available.