Taiwan will soon hold major defense exercises, as Taiwan Coast Guard live-fire drills have been officially scheduled for May. Following recent Chinese military activities, the Coast Guard decided to strengthen readiness along the eastern waters.
According to announcements, the Taiwan Coast Guard live-fire drills will take place on May 9 and May 27. Exercises will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Additionally, May 12 will serve as a backup date in case of bad weather.
These drills will happen east of Hualien, in waters linking the Port of Hualien to the Western Pacific. This zone is crucial for both naval movement and strategic dispersal.
The Taitung and Chenggong patrol vessels will lead the Taiwan Coast Guard live-fire drills. Both ships will fire a wide range of weapons, including 2.75-inch rockets and 40mm Bofors guns. They will also use T-75 20mm cannons, light machine guns, and T65 assault rifles.
The Coast Guard reported that firing altitude will vary from sea level up to about 457 meters. Officials urged civilian vessels to avoid the designated exercise area during the drills.
The Taitung, a Miaoli-class offshore patrol vessel, has been in service since May 2016. It weighs nearly 1,900 tons and can travel up to 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Taitung’s main weapons include a 40mm rapid-fire gun at the bow and 20mm cannons at the stern. Two T-75 machine guns are also mounted on both sides for extra defense.
Meanwhile, the Chenggong is part of the 600-ton Anping-class and features a wave-piercing catamaran design. It was adapted from the Navy’s Tuo Chiang-class corvette for Coast Guard missions.
In peacetime, the Chenggong uses a Zhenhai rocket system and an automated defense weapon system. However, during wartime, it can transform into a heavily armed ship. It can carry up to eight Hsiung Feng II and eight Hsiung Feng III missiles. A Phalanx close-in weapon system also strengthens its wartime capabilities.
In conclusion, these upcoming Taiwan Coast Guard live-fire drills reflect growing security efforts to protect Taiwan’s eastern seas. The Taiwan Coast Guard continues to boost its readiness through both technology and strategy.
