Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

NAVAL, AIRBORNE FORCES TO CONDUCT COMBINED DRILL

ROC Central News Agency

2005-08-02 21:46:18

    Taipei, Aug. 2 (CNA) Naval and airborne forces will conduct a combined live-fire training drill in southern Taiwan waters Wednesday as part of the ongoing Hankuang 21 military exercises, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday. "The drill is designed to test naval and airborne forces' combat prowess in counter-blockade, combined naval-aerial interception and air defense," MND spokesman Rear Adm. Liu Chih-chien said.

    Defense Minister Lee Jye, who once served as navy commander-in-chief and as chief of the general staff, will review the whole training drill, Liu said.

    According to Liu, the navy will play a key role in Wednesday's maneuvers, while the air force will play a supportive role. "It'll be the most comprehensive naval drill in recent years. Many naval combat tactics and skills, including minesweeping, sea port counterblockade and naval-air defense, will be covered," Liu said.

    As the live-fire training drill includes certain classified items, Liu said, foreign journalists will not be invited to cover the event.

(By Sofia Wu)

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