Han Kuang Exercise: Hsiung Feng Missile Launchers First Forward-Deployed to Penghu! Securing Key Taiwan Strait Passage, Enhancing Coastal Strike Capability

The Han Kuang 42 exercise entered its fifth day today (9th), advancing into the joint anti-landing phase. For the first time, the Navy's Coastal Operations Command participated in validation drills, deploying Hsiung Feng missile launchers forward to Penghu—marking a strategic move to dominate critical sea lanes and enhance coastal strike capabilities under the 'land-to-sea control' doctrine.

On the ninth day of the Han Kuang 42 live-fire exercise, mobile missile launchers from the Navy's Coastal Operations Command, armed with the 'Hsiung Feng II and III anti-ship missiles,' conducted drills in the First作战 Zone. Upon receiving orders, units rapidly moved to tactical positions and executed joint firepower strikes based on target intelligence, validating combat effectiveness in controlling key maritime zones and conducting joint and coastal operations.

This marks the first time the military has forward-deployed Hsiung Feng missile launchers to the Penghu region. Located at the center of the Taiwan Strait, Penghu has recently seen the deployment of long-range fire systems and 'English teachers'—a euphemism for advanced radar or surveillance systems. Now, with Hsiung Feng missile launchers stationed in Penghu, Taiwan effectively controls a vital strategic corridor. Given that China currently deploys multiple vessels daily to harass waters around Taiwan, Penghu’s location allows strikes against Chinese ships approaching Taiwan from the east, and those nearing China’s coast from the west.

The Hsiung Feng II and III are Taiwan’s domestically developed primary anti-ship missiles, engineered by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). The HF-2 is a subsonic sea-skimming cruise missile, while the HF-3 is a supersonic 'aircraft carrier killer.' Both are deployed during peacetime and wartime via Navy mobile launchers and surface vessels in key maritime areas, executing layered interception and sea control defense operations.

Hsiung Feng missile launchers deployed in Penghu for the first time. (Photo provided by the Ministry of National Defense)

More exclusive reports from Storm Media: · Han Kuang Embedded: Civilian trucks assist in 'transporting tanks'! On-site coverage of civil-military integration—flatbeds enable rapid cross-regional troop reinforcement · Han Kuang Embedded: Second作战 Zone simulates enemy special forces chemical attack—personnel and vehicles decontaminated within 30 minutes—reservists rediscover their military experience · Han Kuang Exercise: Han Kuang's 'Haimeshi' multiple rocket launchers appear! Troops conduct cross-regional reinforcement amid wind and rain, demonstrating high mobility to complete firing missions