In May 2025, Taiwan launched a series of highly publicized military exercises under the banners of “Thunder,” “Divine Eagle,” and “Divine Bow.” Among these, the “Divine Eagle” exercise stood out for its emphasis on joint-force operations, showcasing Taiwan’s increasing focus on enhancing its defensive capabilities amid rising tensions with China. These exercises were not mere routine drills; they were carefully orchestrated demonstrations of Taiwan’s resolve, technological advancements, and strategic recalibration in the face of escalating threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The military maneuvers were designed not only to improve operational readiness but also to send a clear message of deterrence to Beijing and reassure the international community of Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense.
The strategic context of the “Divine Eagle” exercise is rooted in the shifting geopolitical dynamics of the Taiwan Strait. Over the past few years, China has intensified its military activities around Taiwan, conducting large-scale exercises, airspace incursions, and maritime patrols intended to project power and signal its intent to assert sovereignty over the island. The PLA’s “gray zone” tactics—harassment operations that fall short of open conflict but aim to wear down Taiwan’s defenses—have become a persistent challenge. These include frequent aerial sorties by fighter jets and drones, naval maneuvers near Taiwanese waters, and the use of civilian vessels like sand dredgers to exert pressure. In this environment, Taiwan’s military drills serve a dual purpose: enhancing operational capabilities and demonstrating to both domestic and international audiences that it remains vigilant and prepared for any contingency.
The “Divine Eagle” exercise was carefully designed to address several key objectives critical to Taiwan’s defense strategy. First and foremost was the enhancement of joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Recognizing that modern warfare demands seamless interoperability, Taiwan sought to refine its capacity for coordinated responses to complex threats, especially in scenarios involving amphibious assaults or combined arms operations. The second objective was to rigorously test new weapon systems, including the U.S.-supplied M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the indigenously developed Thunderbolt-2000 (RT-2000) multiple rocket launcher. These systems represent significant upgrades to Taiwan’s long-range precision strike capabilities. A third, equally vital objective was the simulation of amphibious counterattacks—preparing Taiwan’s armed forces to repel potential amphibious landings by PLA forces, a scenario widely regarded as one of the most plausible forms of direct aggression.
A central highlight of the exercise was the HIMARS live-fire test, conducted on May 12, 2025, at the Jiupeng military base in Pingtung County. This marked the first time Taiwan employed HIMARS in a live-fire scenario, a milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernize its artillery forces. During the exercise, Taiwanese forces launched seven guided rockets (M30 and M31 variants), targeting simulated enemy positions at distances ranging from 70 to 94 kilometers. The HIMARS system, renowned for its mobility, accuracy, and rapid deployment capabilities, is particularly well-suited for Taiwan’s defensive needs. Mounted on a 6×6 FMTV truck chassis, HIMARS allows for quick repositioning, making it an ideal counter to the PLA’s overwhelming numerical advantage. By demonstrating the system’s precision strike potential, Taiwan underscored its ability to hold at risk key enemy assets, such as staging areas and command posts, far beyond its immediate coastline.
In tandem with the HIMARS deployment, Taiwan showcased its domestically developed Thunderbolt-2000 (RT-2000) multiple rocket launcher system. Developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the RT-2000 represents a key component of Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry. During the exercise, artillery units fired over 2,000 rockets in six salvos, effectively demonstrating the system’s area saturation capabilities. The RT-2000 is designed for flexibility, capable of firing 117 mm, 180 mm, and 230 mm rockets with ranges extending up to 45 kilometers. This versatility allows for the engagement of various target types, from concentrated infantry formations to lightly armored vehicles. By integrating the RT-2000 into the broader exercise framework, Taiwan highlighted its capacity for sustained fire support and area denial operations, crucial in repelling amphibious assaults and deterring enemy advances.
Complementing the ground-based artillery demonstrations, the “Divine Eagle” exercise also incorporated significant air defense and special operations components. As part of the “Divine Bow” segment, Taiwan conducted live-fire launches of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, a critical measure to bolster its short-range air defense capabilities. In parallel, Air Force Special Forces units executed helicopter-borne firing drills, simulating rapid deployment and engagement of enemy forces. These operations emphasized the importance of mobility and rapid reaction in Taiwan’s defense doctrine, ensuring that specialized units can respond swiftly to emerging threats across diverse operational environments. The integration of air defense and special forces into the exercise underscored Taiwan’s commitment to a comprehensive, multi-domain approach to national defense.
The “Divine Eagle” exercise was not an isolated event but part of a larger continuum of military readiness activities. It was closely integrated with the annual Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s most extensive military drills. In 2025, the Han Kuang exercises were expanded significantly, encompassing 14 days of computer-aided wargaming and 10 days of live combat exercises. These exercises were specifically tailored to address “gray zone” threats, focusing on scenarios involving the PLA’s maritime militia, drone incursions, and hybrid warfare tactics. By synchronizing “Divine Eagle” with these broader efforts, Taiwan aimed to enhance its defense resiliency, improve inter-service coordination, and refine its response mechanisms to a range of potential contingencies.
The implications of Taiwan’s “Divine Eagle” exercise for regional security are multifaceted. On one hand, these drills represent a necessary and proportionate response to the increasing militarization of the Taiwan Strait. By demonstrating its defensive capabilities, Taiwan seeks to deter potential aggression, reassure its population, and signal its commitment to maintaining the status quo. On the other hand, such exercises inevitably contribute to the broader strategic competition between Taiwan and China. Beijing’s deployment of advanced surveillance drones, including the WZ-9 “Divine Eagle” platform, and its persistent military maneuvers underscore the ongoing contest for dominance in the region. While Taiwan’s exercises are defensive in nature, they are perceived by China as provocative, further entrenching the cycle of action and counteraction.
Beyond immediate deterrence, the “Divine Eagle” exercise also serves to strengthen Taiwan’s international partnerships, particularly with the United States. The inclusion of U.S.-supplied HIMARS systems and the participation of American military advisors in the planning and execution of the exercise reflect deepening security ties. This cooperation not only enhances Taiwan’s operational capabilities but also reinforces the credibility of its deterrent posture. In the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture, Taiwan’s enhanced readiness contributes to the collective efforts of like-minded nations to preserve peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, the “Divine Eagle” exercise symbolizes Taiwan’s ongoing transition towards a more asymmetric defense strategy. Recognizing the impracticality of matching the PLA in terms of sheer numbers, Taiwan has focused on developing capabilities that exploit its geographic advantages and technological edge. Precision strike systems, mobile artillery platforms, and agile special forces are central to this approach. By investing in systems like HIMARS and RT-2000, Taiwan aims to impose high costs on any potential aggressor, thereby enhancing deterrence through denial.
The public messaging surrounding the “Divine Eagle” exercise was also carefully calibrated. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) emphasized the defensive nature of the drills, highlighting their role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional stability. Media coverage showcased the professionalism and preparedness of Taiwan’s armed forces, aiming to bolster domestic morale and signal resolve to international audiences. At the same time, efforts were made to avoid unnecessary escalation, with officials reiterating Taiwan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and adherence to international norms.
Taiwan’s 2025 “Divine Eagle” exercise represents a landmark achievement in the island’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense preparedness and refine its strategic posture. This military exercise was far more than a routine demonstration of force; it symbolized a calculated and deliberate response to an increasingly volatile regional security environment, particularly amid growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Through the meticulous execution of comprehensive joint-force operations, the integration of cutting-edge weapon systems, and a heightened emphasis on asymmetric warfare strategies, Taiwan has showcased its capacity to respond effectively to a wide spectrum of evolving threats. These proactive measures reflect not only Taiwan’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty but also its broader aspiration to contribute to the maintenance of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The strategic significance of the “Divine Eagle” exercise cannot be overstated. At a time when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been escalating military pressure on Taiwan through persistent gray zone tactics and large-scale combat readiness drills, Taipei’s demonstration of credible deterrent capabilities serves as an essential counterbalance. By conducting a high-profile exercise that focused on joint operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Taiwan underscored its commitment to inter-service interoperability—an operational necessity in contemporary warfare scenarios where multi-domain coordination determines success or failure. The ability of different branches of Taiwan’s military to seamlessly collaborate in real-time combat simulations reflects a maturation of its defense apparatus, moving away from isolated force postures towards an integrated, agile, and responsive defense structure.
Central to the success of the “Divine Eagle” exercise was the incorporation of advanced weapon systems, most notably the U.S.-supplied M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the domestically developed Thunderbolt-2000 (RT-2000) multiple rocket launcher. These systems not only enhance Taiwan’s long-range precision strike capabilities but also symbolize the island’s evolving defense partnerships and its focus on technological self-reliance. The HIMARS, with its proven track record in recent global conflicts, provides Taiwan with the ability to conduct rapid, high-precision strikes on critical targets, thereby complicating any potential adversary’s operational planning. Meanwhile, the RT-2000’s area saturation firepower serves as a formidable deterrent against amphibious assaults, which remain a primary concern in Taiwan’s defense strategy. The successful deployment and live-fire testing of these platforms during “Divine Eagle” sent a clear signal of Taiwan’s readiness to leverage both indigenous innovation and international support to fortify its defense perimeter.
Equally important is Taiwan’s strategic shift towards asymmetric warfare, a doctrine that acknowledges the inherent disparity in size and resources between Taiwan and China. Rather than attempting to match the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in conventional force projection, Taiwan has wisely prioritized the development of capabilities that exploit its unique geographic advantages and technological edge. The focus on mobile, rapidly deployable artillery systems, enhanced air defense networks, and special operations forces reflects a defense strategy designed to impose high operational costs on any potential aggressor. By adopting such measures, Taiwan aims to create a credible deterrent that leverages quality over quantity, complicating Beijing’s calculus regarding the feasibility of military action.
However, it is essential to recognize that while exercises like “Divine Eagle” undeniably bolster Taiwan’s defensive readiness, they also contribute to heightened military tensions in the region. From Beijing’s perspective, Taiwan’s enhanced military capabilities and closer security ties with the United States are perceived as provocative moves that challenge its “One China” principle. The PLA’s subsequent military maneuvers, including increased air and naval patrols near Taiwan, as well as the deployment of advanced surveillance assets like the WZ-9 “Divine Eagle” drone, are indicative of a broader strategy aimed at countering Taiwan’s defense initiatives. This dynamic creates a precarious security environment where the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation remains ever-present.
Despite these risks, the necessity of Taiwan’s defense preparedness remains indisputable. In an era marked by strategic competition and shifting alliances, Taiwan cannot afford to appear vulnerable or indecisive. The “Divine Eagle” exercise serves as a vital component of Taiwan’s deterrence strategy, signaling to both adversaries and allies that it possesses the will and capability to defend itself. Furthermore, these exercises play a crucial role in strengthening domestic morale, assuring the Taiwanese population that their armed forces are prepared to meet emerging threats with professionalism and resilience. The visibility of such drills also serves a diplomatic function, reinforcing Taiwan’s position as a responsible stakeholder committed to upholding regional peace and security.
Beyond the immediate tactical and strategic considerations, the “Divine Eagle” exercise also reflects Taiwan’s broader geopolitical aspirations. As a vibrant democracy situated in a geopolitically sensitive region, Taiwan seeks to align itself with the principles of the rules-based international order. By demonstrating its commitment to self-defense and regional stability, Taiwan reinforces its case for greater international recognition and support. The exercise also provides an opportunity for deeper security cooperation with like-minded partners, particularly the United States and Japan, who view Taiwan’s security as integral to the stability of the Indo-Pacific.
Moreover, the “Divine Eagle” exercise symbolizes Taiwan’s progress in indigenizing its defense capabilities. The successful deployment of homegrown systems like the RT-2000 multiple rocket launcher underscores the maturation of Taiwan’s domestic defense industry. By investing in indigenous research and development, Taiwan reduces its reliance on foreign arms supplies, mitigates potential vulnerabilities related to external dependencies, and enhances its strategic autonomy. This approach not only strengthens Taiwan’s defense posture but also contributes to the growth of its high-tech industrial base, fostering innovation and economic resilience.
Taiwan’s emphasis on resilience was further reflected in the incorporation of gray zone threat scenarios within the “Divine Eagle” framework. By simulating responses to non-traditional security challenges such as drone incursions, cyberattacks, and maritime harassment by civilian vessels, Taiwan demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the modern threat landscape. These simulations are critical in ensuring that Taiwan’s armed forces are equipped to handle the full spectrum of hybrid warfare tactics employed by the PLA. Such preparedness enhances Taiwan’s ability to deter aggression below the threshold of conventional conflict, thereby contributing to the stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region.
The “Divine Eagle” exercise of 2025 encapsulates Taiwan’s strategic evolution in the face of mounting security challenges. Through the meticulous integration of advanced weaponry, a focus on joint-force operations, and a strategic embrace of asymmetric warfare, Taiwan has significantly enhanced its defense capabilities. While the exercise inevitably contributes to the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations, it serves a vital purpose in deterring aggression, reinforcing sovereignty, and maintaining regional stability. Taiwan’s proactive defense measures, exemplified by “Divine Eagle,” are not acts of provocation but necessary responses to an increasingly assertive adversary. They underscore Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to protecting its democratic way of life, upholding the principles of self-defense, and contributing constructively to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
As Taiwan navigates an uncertain geopolitical future, exercises like “Divine Eagle” will remain central to its defense strategy. They provide a platform for testing new technologies, refining operational concepts, and signaling strategic intent. More importantly, they embody Taiwan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and its democratic values, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The lessons learned and capabilities demonstrated through the “Divine Eagle” exercise will undoubtedly shape Taiwan’s defense trajectory in the years to come, ensuring that it remains prepared, resilient, and committed to the preservation of peace and stability in a turbulent region.
