
The "Lu Sheng 2" exercise, which integrates the Changtai, Changqing, and Changsheng exercises, was launched. For the first time, the M1A2T tank, the third-generation land system and the unmanned aerial vehicle were included in the actual military verification, testing the troops' continuous operations and logistics resilience.
AI-generated summary
The past "Changtai", "Changqing" and "Changsheng" exercises were integrated into the Ministry of Education's unified exercises.
The Army's "Lu Sheng 2" exercise was carried out from October 14 to 23. The 269th Brigade of the Allied Forces stationed in the north and the 564th Brigade of the Allied Forces stationed in the south launched a non-stop real-force confrontation in the northern area for ten days and nine nights. This command-and-control exercise, which was integrated from the past "Changtai", "Changqing", and "Changsheng" exercises, not only extended the exercise period and adjusted the exercise area, but also included M1A2T tanks, land-based third-generation systems (field information and communication systems) and drones into tactical application verification. This exercise plan reflects that the national army is strengthening the troops' training in "sequential resistance" and "protracted operations" in defensive operations through long-term actual military confrontations.
Extend training time and space conditions to test sustained operations and logistics resilience
Compared with previous exercises, this exercise has significantly improved the test of the troops' continuous combat capabilities. The exercise was extended to ten days and nine nights, and allowed coalition brigades from different stations in the north and south to compete in the northern combat terrain. The core purpose was to test the troops' command and control, maneuver adjustment and logistics support capabilities under long-term continuous exercises. Battlefield familiarity and long-lasting combat capabilities cannot be achieved solely by deducing on maps. Only through long-term, cross-regional movement of actual troops can we actually examine the position formation and defensive operations of the troops under real terrain and continuous dynamics.
Integration of new heavy equipment and information to transform single-machine combat power into system benefits
Another focus of the exercise is the integration verification of new equipment and tactical networks. Incorporating M1A2T combat vehicles, drones and third-generation land-area systems into the exercise not only demonstrates the combat performance of a single piece of equipment, but more importantly, tests the effectiveness of command and information transmission of "integrated ground-to-air combat" in modern land warfare. Without a strong information communication network and real-time drone intelligence, heavy combat vehicles will be unable to achieve maximum impact. Through the practical verification of the "Lu Sheng Exercise", it can help the national army gradually transform new equipment into a system combat capability with overall joint combat effectiveness.
Establish rigorous post-training reviews to transform exercise experience into system results
In addition to the verification of troops and equipment, the dynamic adjustment of the exercise training system itself also deserves attention. For example, for a pilot system that was originally scheduled to be verified during an exercise, the military decided to draw on experience from previous exercises and further refine the system before verifying it. This shows that the exercise and training promotion is being adjusted in a direction that emphasizes pragmatic results. The institutional verification of national defense training should not be blindly fast, but should use the "after-training review" (AAR) mechanism to truly identify problems, correct procedures, and continue to make rolling adjustments based on actual verification results. Only by insisting on no compromise on security, no discount on training, and establishing a rigorous review and feedback mechanism can every exercise and training become the basis for mature combat capabilities and transform defense investment into a stable and reliable defense force.

In response to Russia's missile attack on Ukraine, the Polish Armed Forces launched preventive air operations on the 18th to ensure airspace security. Affected by military activities, airports in Lublin in eastern Poland and Rzeszów in southeastern Poland suspended flight takeoffs and landings.

Saudi Arabia's coalition leading the fight against the Yemeni rebel Youth Movement said a helicopter crashed near the Yemeni border due to a technical failure, killing two pilots. This was the coalition's first loss of life since the conflict resumed in July.

The Coast Guard stated that China recently deployed a fleet of 16 coast guard ships, scientific research vessels and fishing vessels to carry out multiple gray zone intrusions in the waters off Hualien, Pingtung, Kaohsiung and the waters surrounding Dongsha. The Coast Guard deployed its warships forward and used strong surveillance and broadcast warnings to drive away all vessels that crossed the border.

The Iranian Congress voted on the 18th to appoint Ahlaj, a senior official sanctioned by the United Nations, as the new defense minister. He will succeed former Defense Minister Nasir Zaid, who was killed in a US-Israeli air strike at the end of February this year. He received 237 votes out of a total of 277 votes.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on October 18 that Russian air defense systems shot down thousands of Ukrainian drones in many places and in the Black Sea. St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast and Moscow were hit by large-scale drone attacks that day, causing casualties, fires at oil terminals and local power outages.

Japan and the United States will carry out the "Sharp Sword 27" large-scale joint military exercise in Japan from the 19th to the 29th, with a total strength of nearly 60,000 troops and the participation of many Western and regional countries. The exercise involved the deployment of surface-to-ship missiles and advanced US-made equipment, triggering protests and concerns among people in many places in Japan.