The upcoming Han Kuang 42 military exercise will be a like-for-like, realistic simulation of continuous and real-world combat in Taiwan. The event is designed to greatly improve the responsiveness of troops in real combat scenarios, Major General Lu Wen-yuan, the chief of the Joint Operations Department of the Ministry of National Defense, said.

This year’s training exercise will take place from August 5 to August 14 and will include computer-aided command operations, combat readiness training and joint defense exercises.

The Han Kuang 42 drills will emphasize speedy deployment, the ability to maintain strength and joint anti-landing operations, fully testing the ability to fight for a long time. Military will also focus on multi-domain denial and resilient defense techniques to enhance the protection of the island.

Some 20,000 troops, including reservists and active-duty personnel, will attend the event, Lieutenant General Yu Wen-chen said. Reservists will be scheduled for a four-week training cycle, which will include a special emphasis on full mobilization and continuous combat. 

Several municipalities also will conduct critical urban resilience exercises. The training operations will start on August 7 in Kaohsiung County, Pingtung County, and more will take place in New Taipei and Yilan County on August 13.

In these urban situations, military and civilian personnel will work together to evacuate, treat mass casualties, control traffic, and distribute needed supplies in an efficient manner.