Han Kuang 42 Computer-Assisted Exercise Ends After 14 Days — Referenced Overseas Conflicts; Live-Fire Phase Set for August 2026

Taiwan's armed forces concluded the computer-assisted command post segment (CAX) of the annual Han Kuang 42 exercises on April 25, 2026 — following 14 days of intensive wargaming aimed at sharpening commander decision-making and staff officer operational capabilities under simulated combat conditions. Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated the exercises referenced overseas conflicts (including scenarios informed by the Iran-US war and recent international conflicts) to strengthen joint operational planning realism. The exercise simulated a progressive enemy action spectrum: beginning with 'gray zone' harassment tactics and escalating through to high-intensity military conflict, verifying joint operational mechanisms across service branches. The 2026 Han Kuang 42 drills incorporated US-style military rehearsal methods — integrating operational procedures aligned with potential US intervention scenarios in line with Taiwan's deepening US defense cooperation. The live-troops field exercise (live-fire phase) of Han Kuang 42 is scheduled for August 2026 and will include rapid mine deployment drills, asymmetric defense rehearsals, and joint strike coordination. The conclusion of the 14-day CAX on the same day as the 28-sortie PLA surge provides operationally significant context: Taiwan was running its most intensive pre-invasion wargame while PLA set a new non-exercise sortie record.