President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, visited Pingtung today (18th) to oversee the joint precision missile shooting exercise by the three armed forces. He mentioned that this military exercise marks the first time that multiple types of attack drones have been included in joint operation training, showcasing the coordination between unmanned vehicles and traditional weapons, reflecting the response to modern warfare. The government will continue to support the military in enhancing training, upgrading equipment, and strengthening national defense to safeguard the country’s security.
In the morning, President Lai Ching-te, along with officials such as Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Pan Meng-an, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Wu Zhaoxie, Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung, Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Piling, Adviser to the National Security Council Liu Te-jin, Deputy Secretary-General Lee Wen, Army Commander Lu Kun-hsiu, Navy Commander Chiang Cheng-kuo, Deputy Commander Xu Jinteng, Air Force Deputy Commander Wang Deyang, and Director of the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology Li Shih-chiang, attended the event.
President Lai delivered a speech expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation to all the officers and soldiers participating in the exercise and all supporting units. He emphasized the importance of their professionalism and dedication, whether in carrying out shooting missions or providing logistical technical support, in ensuring the successful completion of the mission. Precision missile shooting is crucial for testing weapon effectiveness, troop training accomplishments, and the joint operational capabilities of the three armed forces. Every aspect, from exercise planning, equipment preparation to shooting operations and logistical support, must be executed precisely.
President Lai stated that the three-day shooting mission, following the Taiwan-Penghu Defense Operations Plan, involved joint tasks such as air defense, counter operations, maritime-air cooperation, coastal strikes, and nearshore defense. As of today, all tasks have been successfully completed, and he highly commended the performance of all officers and soldiers.
“This exercise is conducted in a realistic manner, comprehensively testing the command and control capabilities and coordinated operational abilities of each military branch, showcasing the solid training results of the armed forces,” President Lai remarked. “In particular, this is the first time that the military has integrated multiple types of attack drones into joint operational training. The coordinated use of unmanned vehicles with traditional weapons represents the response to modern warfare. The military is accelerating the enhancement of overall combat capabilities, demonstrating to the people of the country and the international community the confidence and capability of the armed forces to defend national sovereignty and fulfill responsibilities for regional peace and stability.”
President Lai emphasized that peace is hard-won and requires steadfast determination and sufficient strength to protect. Each realistic exercise further enhances combat power, strengthens readiness, and adds to the force defending peace. The professionalism and discipline displayed by everyone in facing missions are the strongest pillar of national security and the foundation of the Taiwanese people’s trust in the military.
He assured that the government will continue to support the military in enhancing training, upgrading equipment, and caring for the working environment and well-being of the officers and soldiers. All level leaders are urged to take care of their units and comrades to ensure that the soldiers can focus on training and serve with peace of mind.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude once again to all participants and supporting units for their hard work. He urged everyone to continue to enhance their combat skills, hold their positions firmly, and complete every defense mission. Let us together safeguard national security and protect the way of life of democracy and freedom. Thank you.