TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The military began a series of annual exercises in Pingtung on Monday to verify the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions. 

According to the Army, missile launches will take place over the next few days from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The tests include firing Stinger missiles, aerial maneuvers by Army helicopters, and rocket launches by Thunderbolt-2000 multiple launch rocket systems, Liberty Times reported. The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is also participating in the exercise for the first time.

The military said the exercise simulates combat scenarios and verifies weapon systems and combat readiness. Despite unfavorable weather, the drills are proceeding as planned, it said.

Taiwan initially ordered 11 HIMARS from the US, but after the Army decided not to purchase 40 Paladin M109A6 howitzer systems, it purchased an additional 18 HIMARS systems. It also ordered 84 Army Tactical Missile Systems.

The first shipment, consisting of 11 HIMARS launchers and 2 training simulators, arrived last year and was received by the Army’s 58th Artillery Command. The first batch of 16 ATACMS missiles was delivered in January.