TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Air Force Command said it conducted an integrated air defense exercise Tuesday morning (March 26) to enhance overall effectiveness of defense operations.

The exercise was carried out between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Various types of aircraft from Tactical Fighter Wings 1 to 6 were deployed along with Sky Bow and Patriot missiles, anti-artillery systems, as well as Army units and Navy ships, Liberty Times reported.

Air Force spokesperson Chiang Kuang-hua (姜光華) said the exercise was conducted to verify the joint command and control of air defense operations among the three branches of the military, as well as the deployment of forces. 

The Air Force Command said that given the frequent intrusions by Chinese military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and nearby waters, it would continue to enhance training intensity. This is to fulfill regional security and defense operation requirements, safeguarding airspace and protect the homeland, it added.