The Military Police Command, responsible for safeguarding Taiwan's political and economic center, conducted anti-airborne assault drills in the Greater Taipei area on the 8th day of the Han Kuang 42 exercise today (12th). Notably, this marks the first time the capital's defenders—the Military Police—have conducted joint drills with the Marine 66th Brigade outside Songshan Airport during the Han Kuang exercises. The drill was observed by Defense Minister Kuo Li-hsiung, Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien, and several 'English teachers'—a colloquial term for U.S. military advisors—indicating high-level attention from both the military and U.S. side.

Now on its 8th day, Han Kuang 42 has progressed to the phase of纵深 defense and phased resistance. The Military Police Command, tasked with defending the political and economic core, conducted anti-airborne drills in the Beitou area today. According to military planning, enemy forces are expected to conduct airborne landings in the Guandu Plain and advance toward Greater Taipei. Therefore, the drill focused on blocking and anti-airborne operations in the outer Beitou region. The Military Police deployed two Yunpao eight-wheeled armored vehicles for fire suppression, while the Marine 66th Brigade used 40mm grenade launchers and 20mm autocannons for attacks.

Defense Minister Kuo Li-hsiung (right) and Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien (left) attended the drill. (Photo: Chang Yao-lin)

Previously, central defense was primarily the Military Police's responsibility. However, by the end of 2024, the Marine 66th Brigade formed a company-sized combat unit and officially stationed forces within Songshan Airport, taking on defense duties for the Taipei garrison zone. Past drills were mostly joint exercises within the airport. This Han Kuang 42 exercise marks the first time the Military Police and Marine 66th Brigade have conducted joint defense operations outside the airport.

According to on-site observations by Storm Media, the drill involved four attack drones deployed by the Military Police conducting live-fire attacks. Two drones dropped bombs, while the other two carried out suicide attacks by crashing directly into targets—demonstrating that the military is increasingly adopting mainstream drone warfare tactics.

Military Police drone dropping bombs. (Photo: Chang Yao-lin)

Storm Media also confirmed that Kuo Li-hsiung, Hsu Szu-chien, and Lieutenant General Cheng Chen-hsiang, Commander of the Military Police, were present to observe. Additionally, dozens of U.S. military observers, known as 'English teachers,' attended. When reporters attempted to take photos, U.S. personnel approached in an assertive manner to stop filming. However, after the drill concluded, the same 'English teachers' were seen chatting and laughing with troops, seemingly treating the press as a serious threat during operations. Nevertheless, the presence of both Kuo Li-hsiung and U.S. observers underscores the high strategic importance both sides place on this exercise.

Meanwhile, in the early hours today, the Military Police Command conducted mid-level defense drills in the Nangang area. Simulating an enemy landing in Jinshan and Keelung, advancing through the Jibei Valley into Taipei City, the Military Police used HESCO barriers and other blocking facilities to cut off key roads and bridges. They employed drone reconnaissance and integrated firepower from 120mm mortars, anti-armor, and air defense systems, combining urban terrain to build a纵深 network of defensive strongpoints, aiming to block and eliminate invading enemy forces—validating the rapid response and joint combat capabilities of various units.

Exchange between U.S. personnel and ROC military. (Photo: Chang Yao-lin)

More exclusive reports from Storm Media: · Han Kuang Exercise: Troops build drones on the battlefield using 3D printing! Kuo Li-hsiung: 'Establish a decentralized, rapid maintenance and support mechanism' · Han Kuang Exercise: Reserve mobilization includes combat casualty care training—triage personnel are specialists from Veterans General Hospital · Han Kuang Exercise: 564th Brigade conducts first-ever 'cross-theater' reinforcement in 12 hours—12 M109 self-propelled howitzers target Red Beach

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: Event