TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's military fired U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missiles for the first time in Kinmen during a dawn live-fire exercise on Tuesday (May 13). The drill simulated a Chinese amphibious invasion on the frontline islands located just kilometers from mainland China, the People's Republic of China.
The Kinmen Defense Command (金門防衛指揮部) conducted the quarterly "Taiwu Exercise" (太武操演) at the Houhu (后湖) coastal area. The drill deployed the Kinmen Garrison Brigade (金門守備大隊), artillery battalion, support battalion, and amphibious reconnaissance platoon. The command described the Javelin as a "key weapon for asymmetric warfare," emphasizing its "fire-and-forget" capability, high accuracy, and rapid engagement speed.
The Javelin is a portable anti-tank guided missile system developed by the United States. According to the Kinmen Defense Command, it has an effective range of 2,500 meters (around 2,734 yards). The missile reaches maximum range in 17 seconds and can penetrate armor up to 75 centimeters (around 29.5 inches) thick.
The exercise began around 6 a.m. with artillery fire from 8-inch howitzers, 155mm cannons, and 120mm mortars. The barrage created a dense fire network over key areas. Javelin missiles were then fired at simulated enemy amphibious vehicles at sea. The missile fire provided cover for M60A3 tanks and CM21 armored vehicles as they maneuvered into beach defensive positions.
The Kinmen Defense Command said the exercise followed "realistic training" principles, using actual personnel, equipment, timing, location, and scenarios. Training modules included coordinated operations, key area fire suppression, main defensive zone combat, and limited objective attacks. The command said the drill was designed to address gray zone threats.
Residents near the Houhu area reported being awakened by the artillery fire. One resident said the windows were shaking and initially thought something serious had happened. Another resident exercising early in the morning described the live fire as "quite shocking" but added that military drills provide reassurance given current cross-strait tensions.
The Taiwu Exercise is a regularly scheduled quarterly drill named after Taiwu Mountain (太武山), Kinmen's highest peak and a landmark of military significance. The Kinmen Defense Command conducted a similar exercise in March at the Lieyu (烈嶼) area, using different weapon systems including M41D tanks and 105mm howitzers.
The Kinmen Defense Command said personnel maintain an "everywhere is a battlefield" mindset integrated into daily patrol duties. This approach aims to establish immediate combat readiness. The command said it will continue to strengthen combat training to build deterrence through strength and ensure the defense of Kinmen.
It was not immediately clear how many Javelin missiles were fired during the exercise. One Taiwanese news outlet reported two missiles were launched, but other sources did not specify the number. It was also unclear whether this was Taiwan's first-ever live firing of Javelins or only the first in Kinmen.
Beijing has not publicly responded to the exercise or the Javelin deployment. Kinmen, also known as Quemoy, lies approximately 200 kilometers (around 130 miles) from Taiwan proper. The islands sit just a few kilometers from Xiamen, a major Chinese city in Fujian province. ◼