The Taiwanese Army has announced plans to conduct a live-fire exercise to test unit performance and combat capabilities as new weapon systems are introduced, Taiwan Times reported.
As part of the initiative, units have been tasked with supporting preparations, including ammunition inspection, equipment maintenance, and community outreach.
Army Commander Lu Kun-hsiu said the drill is intended to ensure commanders at all levels understand training priorities.
Military sources noted that deliveries of key weapons are expected to peak in 2026, Taiwan Times wrote.
All 108 M1A2T tanks and 14 Volcano mine-laying systems are scheduled for delivery this year.
An additional 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased by Taiwan are also expected to arrive in the upcoming months.
The first batch of 11 HIMARS has already been received and deployed alongside Army Tactical Missile Systems.
Deliveries of TOW-2B and Javelin anti-armor missiles were completed by the end of last year.
Boosting Defense
The Asian country is enhancing its defense capabilities through new acquisitions and partnerships.
Earlier this month, Shield AI signed an agreement with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to support the development and deployment of AI-enabled unmanned systems.
Using Shield AI’s Hivemind software, NCSIST aims to accelerate AI “pilots” that can control multiple unmanned systems simultaneously from a single operator.
In addition, Taipei is expanding its Patriot missile arsenal, funded in part by surplus resources and the proposed $40-billion special defense budget.
At the beginning of February, the US awarded Lockheed Martin a $328.5-million foreign military sales contract to equip Taiwan’s air force with advanced IRST21 Legion ES long-wave infrared search-and-track systems.
The sensors are designed to passively detect and track airborne targets at extended ranges.
