DEFENSE/Taiwan's military to build vertical wind tunnel for Army paratrooper training
Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) Taiwan's military has proposed to spend NT$510.72 million (US$16.69 million) in the coming years to build a vertical wind tunnel for army paratrooper training, according to a budget proposal made public recently.
The Army Command Headquarters is set to spend that amount of proposed budget from fiscal year 2026 to 2028 to construct a building to house the vertical wind tunnel, as stated in the budget proposal sent to lawmakers for approval on Friday.
In explaining the importance of building a vertical wind tunnel, the Army said in its budget proposal that such a facility would provide free-fall conditions in a controlled environment and improve the safety of training and skill advancement for its paratroopers.
It will also be more cost-effective than sending aircraft to conduct field training, it added.
Meanwhile, the same budget proposal also states that Taiwan's armed forces are expected to take delivery of all 14 sets of M136 Volcano mine-dispensing systems bought from the United States in 2026.
It is also scheduled to take delivery of the first two MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones next year, with the remaining two set to arrive in Taiwan in 2027, the military said in the proposal.
![Lawmakers back defense budget hike in meeting with U.S. senators]()
Lawmakers back defense budget hike in meeting with U.S. senatorsLegislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in voicing support for raising Taiwan's defense budget to over 3 percent of GDP next year, while meeting with visiting U.S. senators Saturday.08/30/2025 09:18 PM![Taiwan defense spending to reach 3.32% of GDP in 2026: Premier]()
Taiwan defense spending to reach 3.32% of GDP in 2026: PremierTaiwan's defense spending will reach 3.32 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Thursday, adding that the planned budget increase underscores the nation's commitment to safeguarding national security.08/21/2025 02:42 PM![Military probes PAC-2 missile explosion during drill: Source]()
Military probes PAC-2 missile explosion during drill: SourceTaiwan's military is probing an incident early Wednesday when one of its Patriot PAC-2 missiles reportedly exploded shortly after launch during an annual precision munition drill in southern Taiwan, a military source told CNA.08/20/2025 05:26 PM
- Society
Cause of 5 deaths in Taoyuan fire determined, blaze source unclear
08/31/2025 09:17 PM - Society
Use of ultrasound in Chinese traditional medicine possible by year-end
08/31/2025 09:10 PM - Culture
CKS Memorial Hall holds concert on Taiwan's censored songs
08/31/2025 09:09 PM - Science & Tech
4th Taiwan Tech Summit in Silicon Valley to take place Sept. 20
08/31/2025 08:33 PM - Culture
VP Hsiao joins Washington Nationals' Taiwan Heritage Day celebrations
08/31/2025 07:14 PM