Taiwan Air Force Runs Emergency Scramble Drill in Han Kuang Exercises

Taiwan's Air Force carried out an emergency fighter jet scramble drill on Friday at Hsinchu Air Force Base, part of the ongoing Han Kuang exercises. The drill tested the military's ability to respond quickly to potential threats.

Ground crews were seen rapidly loading air-to-air missiles onto Mirage 2000 fighter jets before the aircraft prepared for deployment. Troops also practiced repairing a damaged runway, a key step in restoring air base operations after a simulated attack.

The exercise is part of Han Kuang, Taiwan's largest annual military training event, which began Wednesday. The drills aim to strengthen combat capabilities and operational readiness.

Air Force Major Yang Shang-ru said personnel regularly inspect missiles and equipment during routine training, but intensify preparations during major exercises. "During exercises, we intensify our training and conduct repeated drills using unannounced and unplanned methods," Yang said.

The Han Kuang exercises simulate Taiwan's response to a potential Chinese invasion. Live-fire drills test the military's ability to sustain 24-hour defense operations while countering China's so-called "gray-zone" tactics, which involve military pressure and coercive activities short of open conflict.

This year's exercises also include urban resilience drills, testing civilian preparedness for emergencies such as simulated disruptions to internet and communications services.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military pressure in recent years through frequent air and naval operations around the island. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says it is committed to strengthening its defenses against potential aggression.