Han Kuang Exercise: Air Defense Missile Units Deploy! Tian Gong III Missiles Stationed at Riverside Park, Patriot Deployment in New Taipei Investigated

The Han Kuang 42 live-fire exercise entered its second day today (6th), with Air Force air defense units mobilizing to tactical positions across the Greater Taipei region. Both Patriot and Tian Gong missile launcher units completed deployment, with the Tian Gong III missile system making its first-ever live deployment at Dajia Riverside Park in Taipei City, while Patriot missile units conducted tactical operations in New Taipei.

To verify the mobility and rapid deployment capabilities of air defense units, the Tian Gong and Patriot missile systems were moved from their bases and driven into the Greater Taipei area on the second day of the Han Kuang 42 exercise. The Tian Gong missile system was stationed at a tactical location within Dajia Riverside Park, where Marine Corps personnel also conducted training using Humvees and drones in the surrounding area.

The Tian Gong III air defense missile system is a land-based surface-to-air defense system and currently serves as the backbone of Taiwan’s air defense operations. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3 missile system. The Tian Gong III is capable of countering threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and short-range tactical ballistic missiles. Depending on operational needs, it can also launch Tian Gong I and II missiles, forming Taiwan’s low-altitude air defense network.

The Tian Gong III air defense missile system deployed at Dajia Riverside Park. (Photo: Yan Lin-Yu)

Meanwhile, Storm Media conducted on-site reporting at the Patriot missile system’s tactical position in New Taipei. As the deployment site was adjacent to a sports park, many local residents expressed surprise, with some even taking selfies with the Patriot PAC-3 missile.

Not far from the sports park, the Patriot system’s phased-array radar, 150kW generator, tactical control center, and main antenna assembly were stationed. This area was less accessible to the public and harder to spot.

Air Force air defense units mobilized to tactical positions in the Greater Taipei area, with civilians taking selfies with the Patriot PAC-3 missile. (Photo: Chang Yao-Lin)

According to sources, in addition to verifying mobility, the exercise also tested communication and coordination between multiple battery-level units, as well as the effectiveness of command and control systems.

Taiwan currently operates both Patriot II and the latest Patriot III missile systems, which play a critical role in the island’s air defense. With high mobility, these systems can rapidly relocate based on battlefield conditions, reducing the risk of being targeted while maintaining continuous air defense capabilities. This drill emphasized force preservation, mobile deployment, and nighttime operations, using live troops and equipment to validate personnel readiness and enhance overall air defense effectiveness.

Air Force air defense units deployed in tactical positions in the Greater Taipei area, with a Patriot PAC-3 missile (front) and Patriot PAC-2 missile (rear) visible. (Photo: Chang Yao-Lin)

More exclusive reports from Storm Media: · Han Kuang Exercise: No Highway Use! The 99th Marine Brigade conducts long-range机动 from Kaohsiung to Greater Taipei, validating cross-regional ground reinforcement · Han Kuang Exercise: Lai Qing-De participates in drills for the first time, a massive motorcade rushes to the Ministry of National Defense! U.S. military personnel also observed · Han Kuang Exercise: Ensuring uninterrupted ammunition supply during wartime! The Military Armaments Bureau’s Factory 202 conducts drills for wartime production line relocation