Taiwan military launches 'Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise' focusing on pre-war preparations

Taiwan's armed forces have commenced a five-day "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise" starting June 22, prioritizing pre-war preparations and readiness. This drill marks the initial phase of a newly planned three-part training initiative, designed to hone the military's rapid deployment and response capabilities ahead of larger exercises later in the summer.

The exercise is being conducted under the framework of "real troops, real locations, real time, real equipment, and real actions." Various military commands will execute troop movements, strategic positioning, critical asset protection, command and control operations, and logistical support tailored to their respective defense zones. For instance, the 269th Mechanized Infantry Brigade's Cloud Leopard armored vehicles were seen deploying in the Taoyuan Qingpu area as part of the drill's validation process.

This intensified training reflects Taiwan's strategic assessment of China's escalating "gray zone" activities, including incursions by the People's Liberation Army and coast guard vessels. Military officials note that these tactics blur the distinction between peacetime and wartime, necessitating shorter response times. Consequently, the "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise," first introduced last year, has been institutionalized.

Taiwan's defense ministry has adjusted its joint operational plans, incorporating "readiness deployment" and "Level 2 and Level 1 heightened alert" phases during periods of regular readiness. During actual defense operations, plans now include "joint anti-landing and coastal strikes," "beachhead combat," and "deep defense and protracted warfare." The current exercise specifically targets the readiness deployment and heightened alert stages, focusing on preparations immediately preceding potential conflict.