Taiwan’s Han Kuang Exercises Commence To Counter Heightened PLA Threat

Taiwan is set to commence its annual Han Kuang military exercises from July 22 to 26, focusing this year on unscripted combat scenarios designed to evaluate troops’ responses to decentralized command, updated Rules of Engagement (ROE), and nighttime operations, according to a report by the Central News Agency of Taiwan.

The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s primary war games, have been conducted since 1984 to assess the island’s readiness in the event of a potential Chinese invasion. This year’s drills will introduce “unscripted” elements, where simulated “enemy attacks” could occur at any time and place, employing various weapon systems to closely mimic real battlefield conditions.

The Ministry of National Defence Taiwan, in a statement shared on X by a virtual anchor, emphasized that the exercises are aimed at refining operational plans in response to heightened threats from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The statement highlighted the need to adapt to rapidly evolving PLA tactics and operational thinking.

“In recent years, the PLA’s military threat to Taiwan has intensified. To address this, the ROC armed forces are updating our defense plans. The Han Kuang exercises will include scenarios reflecting possible PLA actions and lessons from past drills,” the statement read. “All branches of our forces will participate in these scenarios, responding with their current capabilities under our joint operation plans.”

This year’s Han Kuang exercises will be notable for their non-stop format. For the first time, the Chief of General Staff will serve as the chief referee, with branch commanders acting as deputy referees. The exercises will involve cross-branch joint operations and nighttime drills, focusing on force protection, air defense, joint interception, and territorial defense.

“Participants will engage continuously, reflecting our current operational capacity in their respective areas. Although live-fire drills will not occur on the main island of Taiwan, forces stationed in Kinmen and Matsu will use live ammunition,” the statement added. The exercises will cover strategic locations around Taiwan, including Greater Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that while no live-fire exercises will take place on the island itself, the drills aim to familiarize troops and commanders with defensive strategies and enhance their readiness. This year’s exercises will also mark the first inclusion of nighttime operations to test the armed forces’ capability to defend around the clock.

The Han Kuang exercises reflect Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to ensure its defense readiness amid growing regional tensions and the evolving threat from the PLA.