Chinese Fighters in Cross Hairs of Taiwanese F-16s: Taiwan MoD Video

In response to the recent military exercise conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Taiwan’s defense ministry has publicly disclosed footage captured by its F-16 aircraft equipped with Sniper Pods.

The footage showcases an F-16 monitoring a J-16 fighter jet and an H-6 bomber as they entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). This marks the first instance of such videos being released by Taiwan’s defense ministry.

According to reports released on May 25 by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, a total of 62 aircraft from the PLA and 27 vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. Among these, 47 aircraft breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's southwestern, southeastern, and eastern ADIZ.

Meanwhile, the PLA Eastern Theater Command recently unveiled a 3D animation depicting a simulated missile strike targeting Taiwan. Shared on the command's official Weibo account, the video merges actual footage with computer-generated imagery, illustrating the launch of various missiles including PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers, DF-16 mobile short-medium-range ballistic missile systems, H-6 strategic bombers, fighter jets, and Project 054A frigates. The simulation concludes with virtual missile impacts striking locations across Taiwan, including Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hualien.

This revelation coincides with the PLA Eastern Theater Command's announcement on May 23 regarding the commencement of the Joint Sword 2024A exercise, conducted in close proximity to Taiwan and its adjacent islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. Described as featuring coordinated land, missile, naval, and air forces, the exercise aims to "serve as a warning to separatist forces," as per an official statement from the PLA.

The timing of the animation's release notably corresponds with Taiwan's inauguration ceremony for its new leader, Lai Ching-te, held on Monday. Since 1949, Taiwan has maintained self-governance following the retreat of Kuomintang forces subsequent to their defeat in the Chinese Civil War. Despite Taiwan's autonomous status, Beijing maintains its position of regarding Taiwan as a province of the People's Republic of China.