TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Matsu Defense Command recently conducted its Yuntai exercise on Nangan Island.

The exercise aimed to strengthen the command’s defense capabilities, Military News Agency reported. The Nangan Garrison Brigade simulated an enemy attack and carried out a series of drills, including defensive firing and counterattack operations, to test troops’ combat skills.

During the exercise, soldiers operated drones for reconnaissance, while mechanized infantry troops used CM-21 and CM-23 armored vehicles to seize firing positions. Units then fired illumination rounds from 105 mm howitzers and 81 mm mortars to illuminate the target area.

Troops also employed 20 mm cannons and .50-caliber machine guns for concentrated fire against sea and air targets.

The drills follow the completion of the inaugural Lu Sheng exercise, a week-long force-on-force training between the Army’s 542nd Armored Brigade and 234th Mechanized Infantry Brigade. The exercise incorporated rules of engagement, decentralized command and control, mission-oriented small-unit leadership, urban warfare, and coordinated artillery fire. It also tested the use of drones, new command systems, battlefield essentials, and logistics support.