TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army's 586th Armored Brigade conducted two joint combat training evaluations on Thursday at Hengchun Joint Training Base in Pingtung County.
The drills assessed the unit's emergency response capabilities during simulated enemy harassment and attacks, while also strengthening command and control at all levels, the Military New Agency reported.
The exercise was divided into two phases. In the morning, the brigade’s 2nd Battalion mechanized infantry deployed short-range tactical drones for aerial reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence to the command post.
The brigade’s reconnaissance unit then detected simulated enemy forces approaching their position and immediately opened fire. Engineers carried out demolitions for cover as other units retreated.
During the second phase, simulated enemy forces continued to advance on defensive positions. Clouded Leopard armored vehicles and M60A3 tanks used the terrain to their advantage, engaging the enemy and delaying their advance.
Artillery units provided fire support using 155 mm howitzers and 42 mm mortars, while Army Aviation Super Cobra attack helicopters impeded the enemy’s main forces using their 20 mm guns and Hydra rockets.
Next month, Taiwan’s Navy and Air Force will conduct a joint precision live-fire drill near Jiupeng, Pingtung County. Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles, Patriot air-defense missiles, and other munitions will be launched.
