Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

JOINT NAVY-AIR FORCE EXERCISE LAUNCHED OFF KAOHSIUNG

ROC Central News Agency

2005-08-03 15:49:19

    Taipei, Aug. 3 (CNA) Anti-blockade, air raid and combined operations for intercepting enemy attacks will be featured in a joint navy-air force exercise, part of the annual Han Kuang No. 21 exercises, that was launched off Tsoying in southern Kaohsiung City Tuesday.

    Defense Minister Lee Jye will inspect part of the process, which will see the most comprehensive naval demonstration of its combat capability in recent years, military sources said.

    Participants will show off their mine detonation ability for the first time in an emulation of sinking invading landing craft.

    Naval ships will also fire live torpedoes against enemy frigates, according to the sources.

    In addition, S-2T anti-submarine aircraft will fire depth charges to contain enemy naval offensives. The aircraft will be joined by F-16 fighters, which will fire live ammunition at enemy targets.

    Military spokesman Liu Chih-chien said the navy will be the main player in the exercise, with Cheng Kung-class, Kang Ting-class, Chin Chiang-class and Chi Yang-class ships taking part.

    The ships will participate in joint operations to crush enemy efforts to seal off ports with mines, depth charges and live ammunition firing at sea and air targets.

    The goal of the drill is to test the joint combat capability of the navy and air force both in terms of defense and offense.

(By S.C. Chang)

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