The 41st Han Kuang exercise is taking place against a backdrop of heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its own and has vowed to unify with it—by force, if necessary. This year's live-fire component is the longest ever, reflecting the seriousness with which Taipei views the threat.

Air and missile defenses, like Patriot battalions, are growing more important for the Army.

President Trump announced sending Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine and hinted at new sanctions against Russia, expressing displeasure with Putin`s actions in Ukraine.