Taipei, November 28: Taiwan’s armed forces conducted a large-scale air defence drill on Thursday, strengthening their readiness as China prepares for its third major military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near the island.
The drill, held from 5 am to 7 am, involved Taiwan’s air, naval, and missile defence units. Fighter jets such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were deployed alongside naval vessels and ground-based air defence missile systems.
According to Taiwan News, the exercise emphasised safeguarding the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone east of Taiwan, commonly referred to as the “air raid alert line.” Forces practiced responses to potential sorties from Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers like the Liaoning.
The drill incorporated cyber-electronic warfare and inter-branch cooperation among Taiwan’s armed forces. It focused on protecting critical positions and testing responses to aerial and missile threats.
China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier recently conducted exercises off Taiwan’s east coast in October, raising tensions in the region. Beijing is reportedly planning the Joint Sword-2024C exercise, which is expected to coincide with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s visit to South Pacific allies.
The quarterly drills, previously known as the Lien Hsiang exercises, are a crucial component of Taiwan’s defence strategy. As China intensifies its military manoeuvres, Taiwan continues to enhance its readiness to counter threats, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.
