Taiwanese army starts military drills involving Air Force, Navy

The Taiwanese armed forces have started military exercises involving the Air Force and the Navy to enhance the capability for joint combat operations.

The drills will run until March 23. They involve F-16Vs and Mirage-2000 5s fighter jets, Indigenous Defence Fighters supersonic fighter jets, P-3C anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft, S-70C anti-submarine warfare helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, TASS reports citing the island’s Central News Agency.

In addition, a workshop has been organised at an air base in eastern Taiwan where pilots provide training in F-16Vs, Mirage-2000 5s and IDF fighting capabilities.

The report said the exercises are taking place "amid rising tensions in the strait area as Chinese warplanes regularly enter Taiwan air defence identification zone and warships approach Taiwanese waters."

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army regularly sends its planes and ships toward Taiwan following a visit to the island by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022. China regards trips like that as provocations and interference in China'’ internal affairs.

Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949, but Beijing regards it as an integral part of China.