MNA

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung attended a joint session of the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee and Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee today to present a report on the draft “Special Act on Procurement for Safeguarding National Security and Strengthening Asymmetric Warfare Capabilities.” During the briefing, Minister Koo stated that the Ministry of National Defense plans to procure several major weapons systems under the special act, including the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer, the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, anti-armor loitering munition systems, TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, and Javelin anti-tank missile systems. All systems already received Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) from the United States. He urged the Legislative Yuan to approve the related budget allocations to ensure Taiwan’s armed forces possess the capabilities necessary to safeguard national security. Minister Koo noted that the first tranche of procurement items under Article 5, Paragraph 1, Items 1 through 5 of the special act totals NT$294.99 billion. For fiscal year 2026, NT$8.812 billion has been allocated for weapons procurement, logistics support, engineering infrastructure, and associated program management expenses. Among the major procurement programs, the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer program was scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2032 with a total budget exceeding NT$80.6 billion. The HIMARS procurement program totalled more than NT$159.7 billion, while the anti-armor loitering munition systems exceeded NT$33 billion. Additional funding would support replenishment of TOW 2B anti-tank missile inventories, TOW 2B launch systems, and Javelin missile systems. Minister Koo explained that the PRC continued to expand its blue-water operational capabilities while fielding next-generation fighter aircraft, integrated ISR strike drones, naval platforms, and precision-guided missile systems. Under these evolving threat conditions, the originally planned procurement quantities were no longer sufficient to meet Taiwan’s operational requirements for counter-landing and coastal defense operations, making additional acquisitions necessary. Regarding the M109A7, Minister Koo stated that the system integrated GPS-based positioning, automated fire control, digital command-and-control capabilities, and precision fires exceeding ranges of 30 kilometers. These capabilities would enable the armed forces to strike enemy command nodes, logistics facilities, and communications centers with greater accuracy and responsiveness. Addressing joint operational effectiveness, Minister Koo noted that during integrated air and missile defense operations, HIMARS systems could conduct long-range precision strikes against enemy missile launch platforms at ranges of up to 300 kilometers. Integrated with existing Patriot, Sky Bow, and short-range air defense systems, as well as AI-enabled decision-support systems, these capabilities would contribute to a more effective layered air and missile defense network. During joint counter-landing operations, HIMARS and M109A7 systems could coordinate with coastal anti-ship missile units to rapidly engage high-value enemy targets from littoral areas to landing beaches using precision fires. Minister Koo further stated that acquisition of systems such as the Albatross II tactical maritime surveillance UAV, vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial systems, and coastal surveillance UAVs would significantly improve maritime domain awareness and targeting capability. These systems could support precision-guided missiles,unmanned surface vessels, and coastal strike drones in rapidly detecting and engaging hostile naval forces, thereby enhancing early warning and rapid-response strike capabilities within Taiwan’s asymmetric defense framework. Minister Koo further explained that during joint homeland defense operations, the ROC Armed Forces would deploy large numbers of surveillance UAVs to track enemy maneuver elements while integrating AI-enabled decision-support systems, the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), and the Taiwan Tactical Network (TTN) to establish a common operational picture and accelerate the sensor-to-shooter kill chain. Using precision fires, anti-armor missile systems, attack drones, and mobile interdiction operations in coordinated operations, Taiwan’s armed forces would seek to impose layered attrition against invading forces. Portable counter-UAS systems would also be deployed throughout the battlespace to defend against the PRC’s small- and medium-class drone threats. Minister Koo further stated that the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and the M109A7 self-propelled howitzer would provide precision fire support at the operational level. Meanwhile, Javelin and TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, as well as anti-armor loitering munition systems, would enable precise engagement of enemy tanks and armored vehicles. Should Taiwan acquire a larger number of surveillance and attack UAVs, AI-enabled decision-support systems, the Team Awareness Kit (TAK), the Taiwan Tactical Network (TTN), and portable counter-UAS systems, these capabilities would significantly enhance rapid detect-and-strike operations and sustain long-term attrition against enemy forces, while also improving force protection for deployed units. Minister Koo emphasized that the procurement of the five major weapons systems, including the M109A7, would significantly enhance Taiwan’s overall joint operational capabilities. However, to fully establish the three critical pillars of a layered air defense network (the Taiwan Dome), asymmetric defense capabilities, and sustained long-term attrition against enemy forces, Taiwan also had to continue developing command-and-control systems, all-domain ISR capabilities, unmanned and counter-UAS systems, medium-range ballistic missile defense systems, and expanded domestic ammunition and equipment production capacity to enhance defense resilience.Only through the integrated development of these capabilities, Minister Koo stated, could Taiwan further strengthen its asymmetric warfare posture and defense resilience to safeguard national security.

Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School held its “50th Anniversary Celebration” today. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung presided over the event. Minister Koo encouraged all students to cultivate character, study diligently, build strong physiques, and develop an international perspective. He also expressed appreciation and gratitude to outstanding alumni from previous generations, as well as to the teachers and staff who had dedicated themselves to the school’s development. During the celebration assembly, graduates from the three services’ military academies who had studied at Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School were specially invited to return to their alma mater to participate in the military parade. They reviewed the troops together with current students, demonstrating the spirit of passing on the torch. Subsequently, the alumni drum and bugle corps and the Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School color guard and marching band delivered splendid performances, creating a lively atmosphere. In conjunction with the anniversary, the school also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the school history museum, presenting the school’s founding history and serving as an important platform for deepening school history education and strengthening alumni bonds. Minister Koo specially commended 12 outstanding alumni and the junior high and senior high school students selected as “Chung Cheng Youth,” praising their outstanding achievements in different fields and academic performance. These not only inspired the students at the school but also served as role models for everyone to emulate. Minister Koo stated that Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School was not only an institution for imparting knowledge but also an important cradle for shaping character, cultivating discipline, and fostering team spirit. He proposed three points for students to strive toward — “cultivate character and study diligently,” “build strong physiques,” and “develop a global perspective” — encouraging them to cultivate a sense of responsibility and independent thinking, forge strong physiques and resilient willpower, while paying attention to international affairs, developing foreign language abilities, and broadening their macro vision to become modern military talents with an international perspective. “The key to Chung Cheng Armed Forces Preparatory School moving into the next 50 years lies with all of you.” Minister Koo emphasized that the Ministry of National Defense would continue to improve educational quality, optimize the learning environment, and deepen military professionalism and technological literacy, making the school an important cradle for nurturing future generals and core officers of the ROC Armed Forces. At the same time, he encouraged everyone to work together so that the military could continue to progress and jointly build a more elite and modernized ROC Armed Forces.

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien presided today over the Republic of China 2026 “All-Out Defense Education – Social Education” Seed Instructor Training Workshop. On behalf of Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, he welcomed participants from various sectors and encouraged them to strengthen teaching capabilities through professional study, expand the foundation for promoting all-out defense education, build consensus among the public, and enhance Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience. The workshop was held this morning at the Bo’ai Camp. All-out defense affairs personnel recommended by various county and city governments, along with scholars from civil society, participated in the training. The curriculum covered topics such as “National Defense Policy,” “International Situation,” “Media Literacy,” and “All-Out Defense.” Experts and scholars including Director Su Tzu-yun and Researcher Lee Che-chuan from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research were invited to deliver special lectures and analyses. In addition, the Department of Strategic Planning explained the “Special Act on Defense Procurement,” enabling participants to understand its importance to overall national defense. Vice Minister Hsu stated that, facing the future task of promoting all-out defense education, seed instructors had to clearly convey national defense concepts to the public, explaining “why we fought and for whom we fought” — that was, to safeguard the homeland, protect their way of life, and ensure the safety of the 23 million people in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, while clearly recognizing the current security challenges. Vice Minister Hsu pointed out that the war in Ukraine had shown that national defense did not rely solely on military combat power; the key had lain in the will of the entire population to defend the country. Only through the joint participation of the whole society could overall defense strength be formed. He also emphasized that war depended not only on weapons and equipment but also required strong will and resilience to effectively respond to various challenges. Vice Minister Hsu further explained that the forms of modern warfare had evolved rapidly, and unmanned systems had become a key element in operations. Taiwan had possessed advantages in the relevant industry supply chain, particularly holding a critical position in the “non-red supply chain,” and should continue to strengthen development capabilities. At the same time, as Taiwan had been located at the core of the First Island Chain, it had needed to enhance overall defense capabilities in response to changes in the regional situation. Regarding the special defense budget, Vice Minister Hsu pointed out that the relevant planning had been carefully formulated based on overall operational requirements and had covered areas such as strike firepower, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, command and control operations, and sustained combat capabilities. He emphasized that all military buildup elements had to be constructed holistically and work in coordination to effectively enhance national defense combat power. Vice Minister Hsu stressed that the allocation of the special budget had been based on overall national defense development needs and coordinated with domestic industry capabilities. Through stable planning and long-term investment, it had strengthened defense self-reliance and supply chain resilience, ensuring the continuous advancement of military buildup and readiness.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien, on behalf of Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, commended the basic units in New Taipei area for their steadfast dedication at their posts, and encouraged them to sustained improvement to ensure stable operations while extending his early New Year greetings. Accompanied by relevant Joint Staff officers, Vice Minister Hsu visited the New Taipei City Reserve Command and the New Taipei Armed Forces Finance Section, receiving briefings and having a talk with the military personnel, during which Vice Minister Hsu interacted cordially with all personnel, inquired about their work environment and living conditions, thanked them for their steadfast and silent contributions at their posts, and had group photos with them in the end. During inspecting New Taipei Armed Forces Finance Section, Vice Minister Hsu instructed to continue strengthening publicity and consultation services for emergency loans for military servicemen, assisting them in properly addressing needs through formal channels when required, and reminded them to integrate financial management publicity mechanisms to enhance personal awareness of financial risks and avoid falling into improper loaning dilemmas. Through the discussion with cadres of the Reserve Service Center to gain their opinions and understand practical needs in basic units, Vice Minister Hsu stated that reserve cadres had long served as an important bridge between the military and the society, acting as an extension of vital military strength. He also emphasized that reserve mobilization training was completely adjusted to a 14-day training period, with a more practical training course to strengthen training effectiveness and wartime response capabilities. He encouraged all units to improve drills and cross-agency coordination mechanisms to enhance mobilization efficiency and overall support capacity for ensuring national security and social stability.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Chief of the General Staff Admiral Mei Chia-shu visited the Matsu Defense Command today, on behalf of theCommander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Lai Ching-te and Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, to commend the personnel for their arduous efforts in combat readiness, express appreciation for their hard work in defending the northern frontier, and extend early Lunar New Year greetings to all. Accompanied by relevant Joint Staff officers, Admiral Mei successively inspected Liang Island, Gaoteng Island, and Dongju, receiving mission briefings from stationed units to understand the results of combat training and the status of defense preparations, and providing work guidance. In the face of severe enemy threats and regional situations, Admiral Mei reminded cadres of all echelons to properly plan and implement various combat readiness preparation tasks in a cautious manner to respond to the threats posed by various gray-zone actions. “What you are devoting and holding fast now will become remarkable stories in the future.” Admiral Mei expressed sincere admiration for every service member willing to serve in the outlying islands, encouraging them to inherit the spirit of their predecessors in defending territory and homeland, continuing to dedicate themselves on the same land and steadfastly protecting the homeland. Admiral Mei shook hands with the personnel one by one, warmly inquiring about their living conditions and needs on the island. He encouraged them to cherish the experience of serving in the outlying islands, which would bring about unforgettable memories enriched with living, combating and training experiences in the military career.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung visited northern armaments units this morning to extend his early New Year greetings to the personnel, affirming their efforts and contributions to diligently producing armaments for safeguarding national security during the past year. Minister Koo first visited the Armaments Bureau’s 202nd Arsenal and the Technical Data, Test & Evaluation Center, receiving briefings and understanding on-site operations of production line. At the same time, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Lai Ching-te, he encouraged and comforted the personnel, thanking them for steadfastly standing at their posts so that the public could enjoy a peaceful Lunar New Year. Minister Koo stated that the Armaments Bureau’s 202nd Arsenal shouldered the critical responsibility of researching, developing, and producing multiple types of ammunition which involved high-risk tasks. The unit had to prioritize safety and security protection, strictly pyrotechnics operating rules, improve operating processes, continuously introduce new protective equipment, establish a safe workplace environment, strengthen personnel education and training, and enhance disaster response capabilities to ensure mission to be carried out free of incidents. Minister Koo pointed out that currently defense self-reliance was key to defense policy, with armaments playing a pivotal role. He encouraged everyone to continue improving research, development, production, and testing efficiency to provide stable support to meet the demands of combat readiness. Minister Koo also extended his early Lunar New Year greetings to all personnel, thanking them for their long-term hard work at the posts, and wishing all service members and their families abundant fortune and peace in the Year of the Horse.

Concerned about the hardships faced by personnel stationed in remote areas, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung today (January 20) visited the Green Island Camp and the Taiping Camp in Taitung to insepct the units’ combat readiness and mission execution, provide operational guidance, and commend the personnel from both units for maintaining round-the-clock vigilance and sustaining intensive training efforts. Minister Koo and his entourage first arrived at the Green Island Camp, where he expressed concern over the remote location and limited transportation access faced by the Air Force Weather Wing’s Green Island Detachment, remarking, “It’s not easy to get home, right?” Minister Koo engaged with personnel in a cordial manner and made detailed inquiries into their living and duty conditions. He recognized the unit’s continued efforts to upgrade duty equipment and living facilities, ensuring that personnel could receive appropriate rest after long periods of duty, and encouraged them to make full use of leave to spend time with their families. Subsequently, Minister Koo proceeded to the Taiping Camp to inspect the combat readiness exercise conducted by readiness forces of the Taitung Area Command’s drill and to review unit organization, standard weapons, and the progress of ongoing camp construction projects. Minister Koo expressed his appreciation for the troops’ round-the-clock commitment to combat readiness training and disaster relief operations, safeguarding the Taitung region. With the Lunar New Year approaching, on-duty readiness forces were instructed to remain at a high state of readiness and maintain vigilant monitoring of enemy situations; commanders were also directed to implement rotation-based leave plans to allow personnel to return home in a timely manner and share the holiday with their families.

Altius-600M Attack Drone Conducts First Live-Fire Shooting—Minister Koo Visits the Site to Commend Personnel Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung inspected the “Altius-600M Attack Drone Acceptance Live-Fire Exercise” today (December 18), commending the personnel’s dedication and efforts in training and encouraging everyone to continue implementing combat readiness preparations, demonstrating the determination to defend the homeland. In the morning, accompanied by Chief of Army Headquarters General Lu and relevant officers, Minister Koo inspected the live status of the attack drone exercise, received a mission briefing, understood the unit’s firing situation, and commended the exercise personnel for their hard work. This live-fire shooting was conducted around the Zhuoshui River, performed by the Unmanned Aircraft System Training Center and various artillery commands, verifying unit operational procedures and overall command-and-control effectiveness. The exercise first conducted performance testing with training drones to confirm the firing airspace and target area environment, then proceeded with live-fire drones to validate personnel proficiency in equipment operation and troubleshooting, as well as the effectiveness of system and command-and-control integration. After the exercise concluded, Minister Koo personally went to the site to commend the participating units, expressing appreciation for the personnel’s teamwork and demonstration of training results; he also expressed expectations that through post-exercise reviews and other measures, areas for improvement will be identified, combat readiness preparations will continue to be implemented, and the determination to defend the homeland and safeguard national security will be demonstrated.