TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Air Force carried out emergency takeoff drills and nighttime training missions on Tuesday at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung to ensure combat readiness before the Lunar New Year.

Media were invited to observe the drills as part of the military’s efforts to improve public understanding of its objectives and capabilities.

Fighter pilots from the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing were given five minutes to don their gear and get in their Indigenous Defense Fighter jets while ground crew performed preflight checks, CNA reported. The fighter jets were equipped with Sidewinder training missiles and two 275-gallon fuel tanks.

Around 5 p.m., the first group of three IDF jets took off. However, the exercise was called off just before the second group of two IDFs prepared for takeoff. The Air Force explained their decision was due to technical issues.

Earlier in the day, Army units from Taiwan’s Third Combat Zone conducted a live-fire support operations drill in Hsinchu. The joint exercise simulated an enemy special forces raid targeting critical infrastructure in the Hsinchu area.