Han Kuang exercises test rapid aircraft rearming, runway repairs and defence of strategic infrastructure
HSINCHU: Taiwan scrambled its ageing French-built Mirage fighter jets on Friday as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercises, testing how quickly crews could rearm aircraft and return them to combat during a potential conflict with China.
Taiwan launched the 10-day exercises on Wednesday to assess its readiness against a possible Chinese attack. Beijing claims sovereignty over the democratically governed island and has not ruled out using force to establish control, while Taipei rejects those claims.
At Hsinchu air base in northern Taiwan, ground crews demonstrated how they could rapidly equip Mirage fighters with French-made Magic II and MICA air-to-air missiles.
Air force officer Yang Shang-ru said ground teams receive information about fuel and ammunition used during missions before aircraft return. Consequently, crews can prepare equipment in advance, service arriving fighters and send them back into the air quickly.
Air force tests rapid runway repairs
Taiwan’s air force also demonstrated procedures for repairing runways damaged by missiles or bombs. Crews filled simulated craters with stones and sand before covering them with fibreglass mats.
Officer Lin Chih-hsuan said the military aims to restore damaged runways within four hours during wartime, with civilian contractors providing additional assistance when required.
Although Taiwan primarily operates domestically produced and American weapons, including F-16 fighters, France supplied Mirage aircraft during the 1990s and continues providing technical support.
Troops secure strategic transport routes
Meanwhile, Taiwan deployed army units to parts of its main international airport in Taoyuan to rehearse defending a crucial connection with the outside world.
Troops also conducted overnight exercises around the Danjiang Bridge, a strategically important crossing near the entrance to the Tamsui River leading toward Taipei.
Soldiers erected barriers, barbed wire and defensive positions to prevent hostile forces from exploiting the route.
The exercises come as Chinese military aircraft operate around Taiwan almost daily, prompting Taiwanese fighters to regularly scramble, monitor their movements and respond to Beijing’s continuing military pressure.
