Han Kuang Exercise: Marine Corps Reinforces Northern Region via 'CH-47 Chinook' Helicopter! Rare Joint Appearance with President Lai Qingde's Aircraft

The Han Kuang 42 live-fire exercise commenced today (5th), launching a 10-day, 9-night continuous scenario drill. Following the initial scenario briefing, around 3:00 PM, an Army Aviation CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter took off from southern Taiwan carrying troops from the 99th Marine Brigade, conducting a cross-region reinforcement mission to the north. Interestingly, shortly after the marines disembarked, President Lai Qingde’s official aircraft also landed, resulting in a rare visual of the presidential plane, the CH-47, and the marines appearing together in the same frame.

During the Han Kuang 42 live exercise, the Marine Corps conducted aerial mobility reinforcement using the CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter. (Photo provided by reader)

The Han Kuang 42 exercise builds upon previous phases including the Computer-Assisted Command Post Exercise (war game), Immediate Readiness Drill (pre-enemy launch), and Joint Defense Drill (post-enemy launch), training units to respond under realistic combat conditions through continuous scenario progression. Exercise phases include combat deployment, force protection and preservation, joint anti-landing operations,纵深 defense, and sustained combat operations.

Marine Corps troops disembarking from a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter during Han Kuang 42. The presidential aircraft is visible on the left. (Photo provided by reader)

To verify cross-region reinforcement capabilities, a unit reportedly flew north aboard a CH-47 Chinook from southern Taiwan. Based on visual evidence and the dark camouflage pattern, the troops are believed to be from the Navy’s 99th Marine Brigade. In addition to aerial mobility, other Marine Corps units also conducted long-range ground movements northward, testing not only reinforcement readiness but also the smoothness of designated transit routes.

President Lai Qingde’s official aircraft during the Han Kuang 42 exercise. (Photo provided by reader)

Notably, immediately after the marines disembarked, President Lai’s aircraft landed, creating a rare joint image featuring the presidential plane, the CH-47, and Marine Corps personnel.

Additional exclusive reports from Storm Media: · Han Kuang Exercise: Reserve brigades mobilize 5,000 personnel—the largest ever—with a goal to achieve combat readiness within 14 days · Han Kuang Exercise: Amid extreme pressure from China, Taiwan’s Navy and Coast Guard conduct joint anti-blockade escort drills · Han Kuang Exercise: 'Swarm drones' lead coordinated attacks, forming kill chains through composite strike tactics