Taiwan tests air defences in missile drills
TAIPEI: Taiwan tested its air defences early yesterday using surface-to-air missiles, and air, land and naval forces, saying it would continue to intensify training in the face of China’s frequent military activities nearby.
Taiwan has complained over the past four years of repeated instances of Chinese air force aircraft and navy ships operating close to the island.
Taiwan’s air force command said in a statement it had carried out “overall air defence combat plan exercises” using domestically made Sky Bow and US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles in conjunction with aircraft and navy ships.
The drills were “to inspect and verify the joint air defence combat command and control of the three branches”, it said, adding that the outcome was “good”.
“In the face of Chinese aircraft and ships frequently encroaching into Taiwan’s sea and air space, the air force will continue to increase its training intensity to deal with potential threats,” the air force said.
Speaking in Suao on Taiwan’s east coast, home to a major naval base, Defence Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang said that although there was no direct link between drills and tensions, the threat from China was rising.
“How to increase our military capabilities is very important,” he said.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has overseen a military modernisation programme, including the development of new Taiwanese-made equipment. Much of the focus has been on the navy, which is outgunned and outnumbered by China’s fleet.
Tsai yesterday attended a handover ceremony in Suao for two new warships, both Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, which have been dubbed by Taiwan’s navy “carrier killers” because of their high manoeuvrability, stealth and anti-ship missiles. They can also carry Sky Sword anti-aircraft missiles.
Tsai, noting that the two new warships had been handed over a year ahead of schedule, told officers that the domestically made ships show Taiwan’s determination to protect its freedom and democracy.
“We implemented national defence autonomy. Ships made by Taiwan have been named, launched and delivered one after another, faster and faster.” – Reuters