Han Kuang exercise expands defense depth; audit office points to surge in military vehicle accidents

Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercise experienced a significant increase in military vehicle accidents last year, with eight incidents recorded over a 10-day period during the 2025 drills. This marks a notable rise compared to previous years where no such accidents were reported during the exercises.

The shift in focus for the Han Kuang 41 exercise from "beachhead annihilation" to "urban defense" and the inclusion of round-the-clock operations are cited as primary reasons for the heightened risk. Military vehicles maneuvering into urban tactical positions on narrow roads with poor visibility contributed to the increased likelihood of collisions.

An audit report highlighted deficiencies in traffic control mechanisms during the drills. While military units coordinate with local police, insufficient police presence sometimes led to military police or exercise personnel managing traffic. The report suggests these individuals may lack the necessary experience or proper command, potentially increasing accident risks.

In response to the audit findings, the Ministry of National Defense stated that operational zones are signing support agreements with county and city police departments to enhance traffic control for heavy vehicles. The ministry also acknowledged that driver experience, often between one to five years, and failure to maintain safe distances were common causes for accidents, particularly during peak morning hours. The ministry plans to issue directives to incorporate environmental risk factors into driver training and conduct route surveys before mobilization.