TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) revealed on Wednesday (Oct. 23) a plan to classify heated meal boxes as combat readiness supplies. Officials plan to implement this policy by 2026, providing soldiers with various meal options.
During a legislative session earlier that day, Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) referred to the transition from dry rations to heated meal boxes for outlying islands' combat readiness and wondered if the MND has similar plans.
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed the plan, while Major General Chen Tao-hui (陳道輝) elaborated that the military is preparing to offer convenience packs alongside dry rations to bolster overall logistical resilience.
Hung further questioned the cost of NT$240 per meal box and whether collaboration with domestic manufacturers could reduce expenses. Chen responded that the meal boxes are nearly identical to those used by the U.S. military, emphasizing the need for sufficient calories and quick heating during combat, which justifies the higher price.
Currently, the military provides heated meal boxes for disaster relief and dry rations, such as biscuits and jerky. However, it has yet to introduce ready-to-eat products similar to those available at convenience stores. This initiative aims to enhance logistical resilience by supplementing traditional dry rations with ready-to-eat meals.