Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence launched a five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise on Monday following the detection of Chinese military aircraft [1], [2].
The mobilization comes amid a period of heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The exercise serves as a direct response to the ongoing pressure campaign conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around the island.
Officials said that two PLA aircraft sorties were detected around Taiwan [1]. These incursions triggered the immediate military response, signaling Taiwan's intent to maintain a high state of alert against potential incursions or escalations in the region.
The Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise began on June 22, 2026 [3]. The drills are scheduled to last for five days [2] and focus on rapid deployment, and defensive maneuvers to secure the island's airspace and maritime borders.
While the number of detected aircraft was low, the timing of the exercise reflects a broader strategy of deterrence. The Ministry of National Defence said it has not specified the exact scale of the forces involved in the current drills—only that the readiness level has been elevated.
This pattern of aircraft sorties and subsequent military drills has become a recurring feature of cross-strait relations. Each instance of PLA activity often prompts a corresponding shift in Taiwan's defensive posture to ensure operational readiness.
“Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence launched a five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise”
The launch of an 'Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise' suggests that Taiwan is prioritizing rapid-response capabilities to counter the PLA's strategy of incremental pressure. By conducting short, high-intensity drills in response to even small numbers of aircraft sorties, Taiwan aims to demonstrate that its military remains vigilant and capable of immediate mobilization despite the routine nature of these incursions.
