TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will upgrade its military communication systems to Link 16, improving Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

The move comes as China completed a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan on Monday (Oct. 14), per NPR. The one-day “Joint Sword 2024B” drill involved warships, jets, and drones simulating a blockade, per CNN.

Link 16 is used by NATO and links military platforms and units. The system will integrate US-supplied F16V fighter jets and M1 Abrams into Taiwan’s defense system.

Taiwan currently uses a simplified version of Link 16 that connects only to some warplanes and ships and is slower, per Nikkei Asia. The network has been upgraded since its deployment under President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Approximately 200 US government personnel and 200 contractors will be sent to Taiwan, with the project to be completed by the end of 2026.

“We can anticipate an improved level of joint operations between the US and Taiwanese forces,” Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) Research Fellow and Director Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) said. “Information could be shared with Japan and Europe through Link 16 in the event of an emergency.”