Taipei: Taiwan is preparing to carry out one of its most realistic military exercises yet, with this year's annual Han Kuang drills focusing not only on defending the island but also on ensuring that weapons can continue to be produced even if key factories come under attack. The exercise reflects growing concern in Taipei over the possibility of a military conflict with China and the need to keep essential defence industries running during a crisis.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the military exercise will take place from August 5 to August 14 and will include a new scenario that tests whether the island's defence production can continue if major industrial facilities are damaged. Military planners will examine how weapons manufacturing can be shifted quickly to alternative locations and how civilian factories could be converted to support military production during wartime.
The exercise comes as tensions between Taiwan and China remain high. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military pressure around the island in recent years through large scale air and naval operations. Taiwan, which governs itself democratically, has repeatedly rejected China's sovereignty claims and says it is determined to strengthen its ability to defend itself against any possible attack.
Officials said one of the main objectives of this year's exercise is to ensure that ammunition, missiles, drones and other military equipment can continue to be produced and supplied even if Chinese strikes target key industrial centres. Rather than relying on a few large production facilities, Taiwan wants to develop the ability to spread manufacturing across multiple locations, making it more difficult for an enemy to disrupt its defence capabilities.
The drills will also examine how civilian industries can be integrated into wartime production. Factories that normally manufacture commercial goods could be adapted to produce military equipment or components if emergency powers are activated. Authorities believe such flexibility would be essential during a prolonged conflict where supply chains could be disrupted and imports delayed.
Another important part of the exercise will focus on communications. For the first time, Taiwan plans to intentionally slow mobile internet services during parts of the drill to simulate the effects of cyber attacks or damage to telecommunications networks. Officials want to evaluate whether military units, emergency responders and government agencies can continue to communicate effectively under such conditions while ensuring that the public still receives important safety information.
Military planners will also test the protection of logistics networks, including ports and transportation routes that are vital for moving troops, equipment and supplies across the island. Maintaining these supply lines is considered critical in any prolonged military operation.
Taiwan's defence ministry has also warned that a future military operation by China could begin under the cover of what appears to be a routine military exercise. As a result, this year's Han Kuang drills will include scenarios that require forces to respond quickly to a surprise escalation without the usual warning period.
Over the past several years, Taiwan has gradually changed the nature of the Han Kuang exercises. Earlier drills were often based on scripted scenarios, but recent editions have become far more realistic. Troops are now expected to react to unexpected situations, communications failures and rapidly changing battlefield conditions, providing commanders with a more accurate picture of how they would perform during a real crisis.
Security experts say Taiwan's latest approach reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts around the world, where the ability to maintain industrial production and supply chains has proved just as important as battlefield operations. Modern wars often involve attacks on infrastructure, communications and manufacturing facilities in an effort to weaken an opponent over time.
China has not announced any immediate military action in response to Taiwan's planned exercises. However, Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels continue to operate frequently around the island, while Beijing maintains that reunification remains one of its long term national goals.
For Taiwan, the upcoming Han Kuang exercise is designed to demonstrate not only military readiness but also the resilience of the island's industries, infrastructure and civilian institutions. By preparing for scenarios in which key facilities are damaged or communications are disrupted, Taiwan hopes to strengthen its ability to continue functioning even under the most challenging wartime conditions while sending a message that it is committed to defending its security and maintaining stability in the region.