The Republic of China Armed Forces are preparing for the 42nd [1] Han Kuang live-fire military exercises in Taiwan.
These drills come as Taiwan faces increasing security pressures from China’s coast guard. The military is coordinating these maneuvers while navigating a defense budget that has not increased within the legislature [1].
The exercises include training in Taichung, located in central Taiwan [1, 2]. According to reports from Janes, live-fire training in that region was scheduled for June 2026 [2]. The military is utilizing the M109A2 self-propelled howitzer artillery system during these training sessions [2].
While some reports suggested the exercises were being prepared as early as 2024 [1], other defense intelligence indicates the specific live-fire components were slated for June 2026 [2]. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing nature of the Han Kuang series as a recurring pillar of Taiwan's defense strategy.
The 42nd edition of the exercises aims to test the readiness of the armed forces against asymmetric threats. The focus remains on maintaining operational capabilities despite the financial constraints imposed by the current legislative budget [1].
“The military is coordinating these maneuvers while navigating a defense budget that has not increased within the legislature.”
The Han Kuang exercises serve as a critical signal of Taiwan's defensive posture. By integrating heavy artillery like the M109A2 and focusing on regional hubs like Taichung, the military is attempting to maintain a credible deterrent against China's maritime and coast guard incursions, even as domestic legislative hurdles limit budget growth.
