Army deploys self-propelled howitzers in Taoyuan key-area defense drill

Taoyuan, July 15 (CNA) Taiwan's military on Wednesday deployed M110A2 self-propelled howitzers in a simulated firepower drill at a key strategic location in Taoyuan under a decentralized command structure.

The drill, which was part of the military's Joint Defense Exercises from July 13-17, saw M110A2 self-propelled howitzers from the Army's 21st Artillery Command, under the Sixth Army Command, deployed at a civilian vehicle maintenance facility at a tactical position in Taoyuan's Pingzhen District.

A Joint Fire Coordination Center assigned the firepower drill and transmitted targeting information to an artillery company, which simulated engaging enemy targets at Haihu Beach.

The third day of the exercises simulated threats including the detection of enemy forces entering Taiwan's territorial waters. The drills emphasized joint operations among the Army, Navy and Air Force, focusing on a decentralized kill chain, distributed command and control, and implementation of the rules of engagement.

The artillery company deployed two light tactical vehicles, four medium tactical vehicles and two M110A2 self-propelled howitzers at the maintenance facility. The howitzers were concealed under green tarps, while the tactical vehicles were covered with ordinary blue-and-white tarps to blend in with civilian vehicles. Troops armed with T91 rifles secured the perimeter.

The Joint Fire Coordination Center issued the fire mission at around 8:40 a.m., transmitting the targeting data to the artillery company commander via the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) smartphone system. The commander immediately relayed the order, prompting troops guarding the position to move to the howitzers, communications center and fire direction center.

The fire direction center converted the targeting data into firing parameters for the gun crews. The deputy company commander then passed the mission to the gun chiefs, who directed their crews to conduct the simulated firepower mission.

The eight-member crews carried out artillery drills, simulating a key-area firepower strike against enemy targets at Haihu Beach, demonstrating the Army's combat readiness.