Taiwan holds live-fire drills at southern base: Video
Taiwan organised live-fire drills at a sensitive test site in Pingtung County on August 26.
The drills involved the firing of domestically made Sky Bow III and U.S.-made Patriot II missiles, as well as RIM-66 Standard missiles from a frigate off the coast. Taiwan's military reported that all missiles successfully hit their targets, while displaying solid training and readiness to defend the island.
The exercise comes amid rising tensions, with China regularly sending drones, fighter jets, and naval vessels around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the presence of five Chinese aircraft and 11 naval vessels near the island in the 24 hours leading up to the drills.
The live-fire exercise at the Jiupeng base, home to Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, was part of efforts to boost the island’s combat effectiveness amidst growing threats from China.
