TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Fifth Operations Command conducted its annual Tienma Exercise on Thursday to bolster anti-armor training.

Soldiers fired TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missiles atop Humvees at the Dajia River in Taichung, Military News Agency reported. The location was selected with consideration for the units’ garrison locations, safety requirements, and the local community. 

To ensure safety, local police and Coast Guard personnel were mobilized to secure surrounding roads and nearby waters.

The Fifth Operations Command said the exercise was designed to strengthen the combat effectiveness of anti-armor units, while honing soldiers’ familiarity with their weapons and improving their marksmanship. The training also prepared troops for operations in coastal environments.

Taiwan now operates both TOW-2A and TOW-2B missiles. The more advanced TOW-2B features a top-attack capability, using a wireless guidance system. It has an extended range of over 4,500 meters and is designed to destroy armored vehicles, bunkers, and amphibious assault ships. The missile is a significant boost to Taiwan’s anti-landing and anti-armor capabilities.