TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is conducting the annual Tienma Exercise on Monday (Aug. 26) in Fangshan, Pingtung County as part of its efforts to bolster combat readiness.  

The Tienma Exercise is one of the most important annual drills, primarily involving Army and Marine Corps armored units, per Liberty Times. These units conduct live-fire drills to enhance their anti-armor capabilities in coastal defense.

During the live-fire exercise, some units will fire anti-armor TOW-2A missiles from mobile TOW-2B launchers during the day and night to test the weapons’ thermal imaging and targeting capabilities, CNA reported. The day session will last from 12:30-5:30 p.m., while the nighttime session will be held from 6-8 p.m.

Taiwan currently operates the TOW-2A variant, which employs a “direct-attack” mode. It has a maximum range of 3,750 meters and can penetrate armor 102.5 cm thick. It can be launched from vehicles or helicopters.

The military is waiting for purchased TOW-2B missiles, which have a “top attack” mode and feature more advanced wireless guidance. Its range can exceed 4,500 meters and is primarily used to attack armored vehicles, and bunkers, or destroy invading landing ships in anti-landing operations. Delivery of the new missiles will be completed by the end of the year.

The Tienma Exercise comes just four days after the Navy and Air Force conducted drills launching numerous missiles, including Hsiung Feng III and Sky Sword II.