TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The military’s Fourth Theater of Operations, responsible for defense in southern Taiwan, conducted a combat readiness drill on Tuesday in response to China’s large-scale exercise.
The drill assessed command and control communications, firepower capabilities, and combat effectiveness, Military News Agency reported. It also tested officers and soldiers on their ability to respond to different situations.
Troops from the Army’s 43rd Artillery Command rehearsed firing procedures and conducted joint operations with M110 self-propelled howitzers to provide fire support and carry out coordinated operations. The 333rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade reviewed training and made battlefield preparations.
Meanwhile, the 54th Engineering Group set up steel hedgehogs, concertina wire, and other denial equipment to impede enemy movement and strengthen the overall defensive resilience of the force.
The military’s Fifth and Third Theater of Operations also staged drills on Tuesday in western and northern Taiwan, respectively.
M60A3 Patton tanks and Clouded Leopard infantry fighting vehicles under the Fifth Theater were deployed to protect critical infrastructure, per Military News Agency. Mobile missile vehicle teams from the Hai Feng Brigade were moved to designated positions, under the protection of marines.
The Third Theater deployed M1A2T Abrams to designated tactical positions. Additionally, the Lanyang Area Command sent Clouded Leopard infantry fighting vehicles to defend key ports. Troops armed with Javelin missiles also set up positions nearby.
