TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Air Force's Air Defense and Missile Command fired Patriot and Sky Bow missiles during a simulated enemy air attack early Tuesday morning (Aug. 20).

The exercise was conducted at Jiupeng military base in Pingtung County, CNA reported. Target drones were set up approximately 30 kilometers off Taiwan’s eastern coast. Troops fired two PAC-II missiles and one Sky Bow III missile and hit all the drones.

Colonel Kao Shu-li (高淑莉), head of the command’s 794th Brigade and spokesperson for the exercise, explained that the drill utilized a "decentralized command and control" model. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of live-fire training and verify the command-and-control capabilities of joint air defense operations, Kao said.

The drill comes as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has pledged to commit to Taiwan’s defense. By simultaneously boosting defense capabilities and arms procurement, Taiwan ensures its armed forces are well-equipped, Lai said at a recent military promotion event.

“Our goal is to build a formidable military force capable of safeguarding the nation's survival and development, and protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said. Lai recently approved a 6% increase to Taiwan’s defense budget in 2025, reaching NT$647 billion (US$19.80 billion).