Despite the pandemic, Taiwan’s military must continue to function in order to maintain the country’s defenses. But with six personnel at a vital defense facility confirmed with COVID-19, the Air Force has ordered a lockdown.
For the first time in 71 years, Taiwan’s Air Force Combatant Command is going into lockdown. That’s to make sure the base can maintain combat readiness. More than 300 Chinese warplanes have breached Taiwan’s air defense identification zone between January and June this year. And the combatant command is responsible for tracking and intercepting would-be attackers.
Now with six staff members at the Air Force Combatant Command infected with COVID-19, officials are worried that if the virus spreads, it could compromise Taiwan’s air defenses. The Air Force has set up a reserve command center in case primary command falters.
Taiwan’s Air Force says it’s taking every step possible to maintain its integrity. People coming in and out of the facility are carefully tracked, and strict controls are in place to keep COVID-19 out of the command center. Air Force command says that its protocols are in line with the Central Epidemic Command Center’s guidelines. Anyone entering the reserve command center will need to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within the previous three days.
A specialist from the Taiwan Strategy Research Association says that it's important for the military to adapt in the face of new challenges.
Whether it’s microscopic droplets or 30-ton bombers, Taiwan’s Air Force is ready to fend off all airborne attacks.