Taiwan’s armed forces are in the middle of putting on the 38th Han Kuang Exercise live-fire drills. The five day, four night event simulates how Taiwan would defend against an attack from China. Paratroopers are a highlight of the third day.
A Lockheed C-130 aircraft flies over a field in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County. This is no ordinary air maneuver. Sixteen paratroopers jump from 6,000 meters and make their way to the ground.
This is the third day of the 38th Han Kuang Exercise live-fire drills. The exercise is a joint military demonstration that simulates how Taiwan would repel an invasion from China.
Shortly after the first plane flies overhead, four more C-130s appear. Sixty more paratroopers jump from a lower altitude. Once they reach the ground, they pop white smoke to signal their location to other troops.
These paratroopers then pack their gear, convene, and advance. This entire training drill is to simulate a pincer attack on the enemy.
A few civilians are nearby to enjoy the spectacle. Everyone seems impressed by what the military can pull off. There are two days left in the Han Kuang Exercise so it’s not over for the armed forces just yet. However, it’s safe to say, these paratroopers stuck the landing.