Taiwan commenced its annual Han Kuang military exercises on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, aiming to test commanders' ability to respond flexibly when enemy actions deviate from expectations. The 10-day drills, initiated by an underground command center in Taipei, involve combat-readiness activities such as fighter jet dispersals and emergency naval deployments, according to senior Taiwan officials who briefed Reuters.

For the first time, Taiwan is incorporating a "backbrief" approach modeled on United States military practice. This method requires junior officers to restate mission details to commanders to improve coordination and ensure alignment on operational intent.

The exercises also address concerns about potential Chinese attempts to disrupt Taiwan's command centers, ports, logistics, and defense industry sites early in a conflict. A senior official described the drills as part of "a series of toughening exercises" that move beyond theoretical scenarios to realistic conditions.

The drills include resilience training for local officials to maintain government operations amid cascading crises, ranging from natural disasters to a possible Chinese invasion. Field commanders will face "unexpected scenarios" to assess their ability to reassess, readjust, and quickly issue orders. The exercises are scheduled to conclude on August 14, 2026.

Taiwanese military reservists from the Taipei City Reserve Brigade were seen participating in combat training in Taipei on the first day of the drills (Photo: AFP/Cheng Yu-chen).

Notable Quotes

  • The move is to "ensure commanders and subordinates are in sync on operational intent."
  • "These are all part of a series of toughening exercises - this is no longer a laboratory-like exercise in a vacuum," said a senior official.
  • "You are entering a real field environment, facing real bottom-line conditions. We hope the final phase of training reaches that state," a defense official added.
  • "If the situation does not match the original enemy scenario, what should he do? How should he reassess, readjust, and quickly issue orders?"
  • The drills include a "mechanism to assess wartime frontline news releases and efforts to counter enemy disinformation," officials said.

Context

China claims Taiwan as its own territory despite Taiwan's objections, and the drills reflect ongoing concerns about potential Chinese military actions.

Sources

CNA Latest News

(Photo credit: AFP/Cheng Yu-chen)