Taiwanese reservists conducted live-fire training drills this week on the northwest coast and in central Taiwan to prepare for the Han Kuang 42 exercise [1, 2].
These preparations are critical as the Han Kuang drills serve as the island's primary annual military exercise designed to deter potential aggression. The drills test the readiness of both active duty and reserve forces in defending the territory against a simulated invasion.
Reports indicate that training activities took place in multiple locations. Reservists participated in live-fire training on a beach along the northwest coast [1]. Other soldiers were observed carrying artillery shells for exercises in Taichung, located in central Taiwan [2].
The timing of these preparatory activities varies by report. Some training was conducted in June 2026 [2], while other drills occurred in early August 2026 immediately preceding the start of the main exercise [1].
As part of the technical preparations, military personnel operated M109A2 self-propelled howitzers [2]. These artillery units are central to the island's defensive posture and are used during the live-fire segments to ensure operational accuracy and crew coordination.
The Han Kuang 42 [2] exercises focus on finalizing the readiness of the military infrastructure. By utilizing both coastal and inland sites, the Taiwanese military aims to simulate a comprehensive defense strategy that spans different geographic terrains, from beachheads to urban centers.
“Taiwanese reservists conducted live-fire training drills this week on the northwest coast and in central Taiwan.”
The integration of reservists into live-fire drills using heavy artillery like the M109A2 suggests a focus on total mobilization readiness. By conducting these exercises across both the northwest coast and central Taiwan, the military is practicing a layered defense strategy intended to signal deterrence to regional adversaries ahead of the full-scale Han Kuang 42 maneuvers.
