Taiwan’s “Han Guang 41” live-fire exercise entered its second day today (July 10). The M1A2T tanks purchased from the United States by Taiwan conducted live ammunition shooting training for the first time. President Lai Ching-te personally visited the site and praised the M1A2T tank as the strongest tank on the surface with powerful striking capabilities and mobility.
The Republic of China’s military began its annual major military exercise “Han Guang 41” live-fire drill, integrating the armed forces for a 10-day, 9-night continuous operation. President Lai Ching-te, along with other top officials, visited the “M1A2T tank equipment training” in Hsinchu this morning to observe the tank’s performance and shooting verification.
President Lai Ching-te received a briefing on the equipment and performance before witnessing the tank shooting. He also commended the efforts of all military personnel involved in the exercise for their hard work and dedication.
President Lai Ching-te stated that the entire military is engaging in the most crucial Han Guang 41 exercise of the year. This year’s exercise adopts an “extreme training” approach, focusing on large-scale realistic combat drills to enhance the military’s readiness and implement Taiwan’s military strategy for defense and deterrence.
The M1A2T tank conducted live ammunition firing with its 120mm tank gun, hitting all 19 shots on target. President Lai Ching-te praised the tank’s strong striking capabilities and mobility, living up to its reputation as the “strongest tank on the surface.”
He thanked the troops of the 584th Brigade for their efforts, either in training in the United States or engaging in various drills upon return to Taiwan. He believed that with the integration of unmanned drones and innovative tactics in the future, the tank would further contribute to realizing the country’s strategic goals.
President Lai Ching-te encouraged the military to train diligently as every training session enhances the country’s defense capabilities, leading to greater security for the nation, society, and people. He emphasized that the government stands behind the military and pledged to work together to safeguard national sovereignty, maintain democracy, freedom, and promote prosperity in various sectors.
On the first day of Han Guang 41 live-fire exercise, the Republic of China’s Ministry of National Defense released information today on the activities of Chinese military aircraft and vessels in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait. From 6 a.m. on the 9th to 6 a.m. today, a total of 12 Chinese military aircraft (including 10 crossing into Taiwan’s southwest airspace) and 7 Chinese vessels were detected operating near the Taiwan Strait.
The Ministry of National Defense stated that the military deployed aircraft and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond to these activities.
As Han Guang 41 live-fire exercise enters its second day, the military is simulating high-intensity gray zone disturbances. The Army’s 269th Brigade is conducting essential target support combat training with CM11 tanks, CM22 howitzers, and other forces to ensure the nation’s security.
Minister of National Defense Gu Li-hsiung visited the New Taipei area on the 9th to oversee the mobilization training of the Army’s 206th Brigade, focusing on the retraining of personnel specialized in 50 machine guns, 105mm howitzers, communications, observation, and other weaponry.
Minister Gu Li-hsiung expressed deep appreciation for the military’s commitment to defend the homeland, emphasizing the importance of improving the reserve mobilization capabilities through effective training and care for the personnel’s well-being.