Behind the Scenes: Can Taiwan Do What Even the US Military Dares Not? The Han Kuang Exercise Features a Super Magical Scenario

The 2026 'Han Kuang 42' exercise, lasting 10 days and 9 nights, concluded on August 14. This year's Han Kuang exercise continued the military's recent emphasis on realistic, script-free, and decentralized command (Decentralized Command & Control) operations. New combat equipment, including the M1A2T main battle tank and various drones, as well as the newly established Coastal Operations Command, participated to verify combat capabilities. Additionally, the '2026 Urban Resilience Exercise' held alongside the Han Kuang exercise conducted its first network slowdown drill, showcasing new initiatives.

The military divided the 2026 'Han Kuang 42' exercise into four stages: force preservation and deployment, joint air defense and coastal interception, joint anti-landing and port anti-blockade, and deep defense and sustained operations, covering all aspects of Taiwan Strait defense. During the exercise, active-duty army, navy, and air force units, reserve forces, coast guard officers, private companies, and local governments all participated, significantly improving the degree of realism compared to previous exercises. While receiving high praise, military personnel acknowledged that under stricter combat scenarios and considering Taiwan's geographical location and the opponent's capabilities, the Han Kuang 42 exercise still has unrealistic and overly performative aspects.