Taiwan's armed forces deployed tanks and armored vehicles across central Taiwan to test troop readiness during the 42nd [1] annual Han Kuang exercise.
The drills serve as a critical assessment of the island's ability to mobilize forces and protect essential infrastructure against potential attacks. By simulating these scenarios, the Republic of China Army aims to demonstrate a strategy of whole-of-society deterrence.
The exercise, which began in early March 2025, is scheduled to run for 10 days [2]. Military units utilized major thoroughfares in central Taiwan, where authorities temporarily cleared civilian traffic to allow the movement of heavy convoys [3].
Observers noted the presence of M60A3 main battle tanks [4] as part of the armored deployment. The focus of the maneuvers includes testing joint operations and the ability of the military to secure critical sites under pressure.
Force protection and rapid mobilization are central pillars of this year's iteration. The military is evaluating how effectively different units can coordinate to shield infrastructure, and maintain operational continuity during a conflict scenario [5].
These maneuvers are part of a recurring cycle of readiness assessments designed to identify gaps in the current defense posture. The 10-day [2] window allows the military to simulate various stages of an escalation, from initial mobilization to active defense of the interior.
“Taiwan's armed forces deployed tanks and armored vehicles across central Taiwan.”
The Han Kuang exercises are a primary signal of Taiwan's defensive resolve and operational readiness. By moving heavy armor like M60A3 tanks through urban corridors, the military tests the logistical reality of mobilizing forces across the island's geography. This specific focus on 'whole-of-society deterrence' suggests a strategic shift toward integrating civilian infrastructure and military logistics to complicate an adversary's planning.
