TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will begin its 10-day Han Kuang 42 military exercise on Wednesday, testing how armed forces can defend the country and sustain operations under disrupted battlefield conditions.
CNA reported that the exercise will run through Aug. 14. The drills will progress through stages covering war preparations, force protection, defense against amphibious landings, inland defense, and prolonged operations.
The military will continue using unscripted exercises while giving junior commanders more authority to respond to changing conditions. The approach reflects a shift away from planned displays of firepower toward training that tests decision-making and combat readiness.
EBC News reported that this year's exercise will also expand the use of a US military practice known as a backbrief. After receiving orders, subordinate units will explain their understanding of the mission to senior commanders so both sides can identify misunderstandings before operations begin.
For the first time, Taiwan will mobilize two reserve brigades at full strength for the exercises. About 5,000 reservists from the Taipei Reserve Brigade in the north and the 137th Brigade in the south will take part, following the full mobilization of a brigade involving more than 3,000 reservists last year, per Liberty Times.
The drill will test how quickly reserve units can expand from peacetime staffing levels to wartime strength. Commanders will be evaluated on their ability to manage personnel, communications, equipment distribution, logistics, and other tasks.
Urban resilience drills will also test responses to slower mobile internet service. Network speeds will be reduced for 30 minutes during air raid drills in central areas on Aug. 10 and northern areas on Aug. 13, per SETN.
TTV News reported that the military will also conduct its first exercise aimed at blocking enemy use of the Danjiang Bridge, which opened to traffic in May. The drill will test measures to prevent hostile forces from crossing the Tamsui River and advancing toward Taipei after seizing nearby coastal areas or the Port of Taipei.
The Navy and Coast Guard will meanwhile practice protecting sea routes and critical supplies in the western Pacific. Training will include moving supplies, escorting vessels, maritime patrols, surveillance, and coordination between command systems.
UDN reported that M1A2T Abrams tanks will take part in Han Kuang exercises for the first time. The tanks, whose first unit entered service last October, will join drills in northern Taiwan testing defenses against amphibious landings and enemy forces advancing inland.
The newly formed Coastal Combat Command will also face its first Han Kuang exercise after being established on July 1. It brings coastal missile units, radar stations, maritime surveillance forces, air defense personnel, and support units under one command to improve coordination between detecting and striking targets.
Selected journalists will also accompany frontline units during parts of Han Kuang for the first time. The military will use the program to test how quickly reporters can provide battlefield coverage to domestic and international audiences without disclosing classified information or troop positions.
