Taiwan Launches Largest-Ever Han Kuang Drills

Taiwan has commenced its largest-ever Han Kuang military exercises, running for 10 days and involving over 22,000 reservists, in response to increased military pressure and gray zone tactics from China. The drills focus on defending critical command systems and infrastructure, countering electronic warfare, misinformation, and maritime harassment, and testing the military’s ability to decentralize command amid communications disruptions. For the first time, the exercises feature new weaponry like HIMARS rocket systems and domestically developed Sky Sword missiles, and include unscripted, round-the-clock scenarios reflecting lessons from the Ukraine war. The live-fire segment mobilizes both regular and reserve forces and features close-quarters combat and anti-landing drills, as well as civil defense measures such as emergency supply stations. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has condemned the exercises as provocative. Taiwanese officials emphasize the need for public resilience and vigilance against misinformation during the drills.