Taiwanese soldiers participate in preparations for the annual Han Kuang military exercises, which will test defense readiness and wartime logistics.

Taiwan War Drills to Test Arms Production During Simulated Chinese Attack

TAIPEI — July 28, 2026

Taiwan will test its ability to relocate weapons production and convert civilian factories for military manufacturing during next month's annual Han Kuang military exercises, as the island prepares for the possibility of a Chinese attack.

The drills, scheduled from August 5 to August 14, will simulate a scenario in which China uses routine military exercises to hide preparations for a full-scale invasion. Under the exercise, Taiwan's armed forces would quickly raise combat readiness and launch emergency response operations.

Military planners said the exercises are designed to determine whether Taiwan can keep producing essential military equipment if key factories, ports or logistics centers are targeted during a conflict.

As part of the simulation, the military will rehearse relocating operations from the Armaments Bureau's 202nd Arsenal in Taipei and mobilize selected civilian factories to assemble military equipment after an emergency order is issued.

The exercise also reflects Taiwan's concern that China could attempt to disable command centers, transportation networks and defense industries in the early stages of any military action. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan's government rejects that claim and says the island is already self-governed.

Military officials said the scenario assumes Chinese forces use their regular annual military drills as cover to complete preparations for an assault before launching an attack.

Taiwan's navy and coast guard will also conduct joint exercises to protect shipping routes and escort vessels carrying essential supplies. The drills will include live personnel, equipment and ammunition while practicing maritime security, coastal defense and emergency logistics.

Officials said the exercises come as Taiwan has reported increased activity by Chinese coast guard vessels around the island, raising concerns about the security of important sea routes, particularly along Taiwan's Pacific coast.

For the first time, Taiwan will also deliberately reduce mobile internet speeds during the 10-day exercise. The test is intended to examine how government agencies, emergency services and the public would communicate if internet bandwidth became limited during a natural disaster or military conflict.

The Han Kuang exercises are Taiwan's largest annual military drills and are intended to strengthen the island's readiness for a wide range of security threats while improving coordination between military and civilian organizations.