Taiwan is drilling to keep interceptor fighters flying through attacks on its runways just 90 miles from China
Taiwan's air force conducted runway repair drills at the Hsinchu Air Base as part of its annual Han Kuang military exercises. The training simulated a response to a Chinese invasion, focusing on maintaining air superiority through rapid facility restoration.
Why it matters
These exercises underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the island's defensive preparations against potential aggression.
A Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off from Hsinchu Air Base during Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises. Ann Wang/REUTERS Taiwan's air force practiced runway repairs and emergency takeoffs at Hsinchu Air Base on Friday. It's home to the island's Mirage 2000-5s, its primary interceptor fighter jets. The drills were part of its annual Han Kuang exercise, its simulation of a Chinese invasion. HSINCHU, TAIWAN — Taiwan showcased rapid runway repair drills on Friday at its closest airbase to mainland China, where the island keeps its main fleet of interceptor fighter jets. The island's air force practiced its response to a scenario where Chinese long-range missiles or rockets had already damaged facilities at Hsinchu Air Base. The drills, part of the annual Han Kuang exercises, included rearming Dassault Mirage 2000-5s , performing emergency takeoffs, and restoring runways.
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