Taiwan conducted a public F-16V drill with U.S. missiles on Jan. 28, 2026, to boost readiness against Chinese military threats.

On January 28, 2026, Taiwan’s air force conducted a public drill at Chiayi Air Base, demonstrating rapid reloading and refueling of F-16V jets with U.S.-made AIM-9M and AIM-120 missiles. The exercise, part of President Lai Ching-te’s defense modernization push, aimed to enhance readiness against frequent Chinese military incursions. It marked the first media-accessible drill since China’s recent war games near Taiwan, highlighting combat realism, agility, and technological integration. Officials stressed that repeated scrambles provide valuable experience in countering Chinese air tactics. Lai emphasized the need for flexible, AI-enhanced defense strategies to maintain a credible, modern military amid rising tensions.