Taiwan’s Army demonstrated its combat readiness by conducting live-fire artillery drills on Monday. The 6th Corps took charge of the exercises at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu. These live-fire artillery drills aimed to improve fire coordination among units and evaluate the overall effectiveness of artillery training.
The exercise began with troops simulating contact with an enemy force to create a realistic combat environment. To gather battlefield intelligence, soldiers deployed tactical short-range drones. These drones conducted aerial reconnaissance, allowing commanders to identify targets before artillery units opened fire.
Following the reconnaissance, the artillery units moved into action. M109A2 self-propelled howitzers and 155 mm towed howitzers fired a mix of area fire and high-deflection fire. Interestingly, the M109A2 howitzers performed their firing sequences without using their rear stabilizer spades. This maneuver tested the crews’ ability to fire quickly while adapting to various combat conditions.
The Third Theater Command highlighted the military’s strategic approach that “anywhere can be a battlefield.” This philosophy encourages troops to train in diverse environments, enhancing their flexibility and readiness. It also ensures that soldiers develop proficiency in handling standard weapons across different operational scenarios.
Taiwan is also focusing on modernizing its artillery forces. The Army plans to purchase 168 M109A7 self-propelled howitzers to replace its older M109A2 and M109A5 models. This significant upgrade will cost approximately NT$90 billion, equivalent to around US$3.1 billion. The new howitzers are expected to improve firepower, mobility, and overall effectiveness on the battlefield.
These live-fire artillery drills underline Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining a high state of military readiness. Conducting regular exercises enables the Army to sharpen its rapid response capabilities and improve fire coordination. Additionally, the drills provide valuable feedback to refine tactics and weapon handling skills.
Overall, the live-fire artillery drills tested existing abilities while preparing the troops for future challenges. With continuous training and planned equipment upgrades, Taiwan’s Army aims to stay ahead of evolving regional threats. By emphasizing adaptability and firepower, the military reinforces its defense posture and strengthens its capacity to protect national security.
