ROCAF to Launch 'Immediate Readiness Exercise' on 22nd, Validating Joint Combat Capabilities Across Operational Zones

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Yu Kai-xiang, Taipei, June 17) The Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCAF) will conduct a planned 'Immediate Readiness Exercise' from June 22 to 26. Military officials stated that the exercise assumes a scenario in which enemy forces have not yet launched, focusing on the initial readiness measures of regular forces. It aims to validate the response capabilities of each operational zone and the tri-service joint combat effectiveness when China takes any provocative action, comprehensively countering potential threats.

Recent major ROCAF drills and training include heavy artillery and drone exercises previously conducted by each operational zone, followed by the 'Immediate Readiness Exercise' starting on the 22nd, the 'Joint Defense Drill' in July, and the 'Han Kuang Field Exercise' in August.

Military officials said today that the Immediate Readiness Exercise will involve all operational zones across Taiwan conducting operational plan drills within their respective tactical areas, with a focus on validating tri-service joint combat capabilities.

The ROCAF has revised its 'Joint Operational Plan,' retaining the 'two phases' while eliminating the 'three stages.' The 'Regular Readiness Phase' now includes 'Readiness Deployment' (0) and 'Level 2 and Level 1 Enhanced Alert' (1). The 'Defense Operations Phase' adds 'Joint Anti-Landing and Coastal Strike' (2), 'Beach Combat' (3), and 'In-Depth Defense and Protracted Warfare' (4).

Military officials noted that while the Han Kuang Exercise simulates the full process (0 to 4), the Immediate Readiness Exercise focuses on the ROCAF's initial readiness actions when China shows signs of movement but enemy forces have not yet launched.

The Immediate Readiness Exercise is divided into planned and ad hoc types. The drill on the 22nd is a planned exercise, emphasizing regular force operations and, in principle, does not involve mobilization. Ad hoc exercises are conducted when China announces targeted military drills or live-fire exercises against Taiwan.

Military officials stated that the July Joint Defense Drill serves as a warm-up for Han Kuang. This year's focus is on integrating tri-service forces immediately upon detecting enemy launches and various stages of threats such as territorial waters intrusion, executing joint combat and joint defense drills. The emphasis is on refining command and control mechanisms (C2), promoting 'distributed command,' and implementing 'Rules of Engagement' (ROE).

Another military official added that this year's Han Kuang Exercise emphasizes 'Rehearsal.' The U.S. military regards rehearsal as a critical step before formal operations. In addition to reverse briefings, the rehearsal process includes Combined Arms Rehearsal, Confirmation Brief, Support Rehearsal, and Battle Drill/SOP Rehearsal. These rehearsals not only identify weaknesses in plans but also strengthen commanders' decision-making. (Edited by Lin Ke-lun) 1150617