Conscripts train with domestically developed rocket launcher

Conscripts train with domestically developed rocket launcher

2024-11-06

After mandatory military service was lengthened to one year, conscripts now also have to undergo a more rigorous training regimen. On Wednesday, they did a live-fire exercise with the domestically developed Kestral rocket launcher. The session also incorporated malefaction troubleshooting to improve troops’ combat readiness.

The troops each carry a Kestral rocket launcher. After taking their spots, shots are fired at the target with each command.

The rockets all hit their targets 200 meters away. It’s quite a sight to behold.

Lu Chun-ming
ROC 8th Field Army
Actually firing a Kestral feels very different from exercises during training. It’s my first time undertaking a mission at the army base, and thanks to the mission, I got to really experience firing a Kestral.

Lin Ping
ROC 8th Field Army
I treated it like any routine exercise. It’s not really that heavy.

The Kestral rocket launcher was developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. Its scope has a zoom factor of 5x, while the effective shooting range is 200m. With the Kestral, a rocket can penetrate low-carbon steel by up to 40 cm and homogenous steel by up to 27cm. The external and internal parts of the rocket are a uniform structure, making it unusable if launched and found by the enemy.

During this round of live-fire exercises, troops were also trained to troubleshoot malfunctions.

Yu Shao-jui
ROC Army
Troubleshooting malfunctions has always been a part of our training program. We always do exercises on troubleshooting. Because it’s a new launcher we’re working with, we’ll also ask that the National Chung-Shan Institute inspect the malfunction, and find out the root cause, so we can improve.

Yang Kai-an
FTV reporter
The armed forces are beefing up on all fronts. Conscripts now have one year of mandatory service, and it’s the first time they’re doing a live-fire exercise with the Kestral rocket launcher. All this serves to improve troops’ combat readiness to respond to current cross-strait tensions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

強化實戰! 義務役訓練變革首度實彈射擊"紅隼火箭彈"

2024-11-06

國軍在今年恢復一年義務役，相關訓練也做調整，首次進行紅隼火箭彈實彈射擊，紅隼為中科院研製反裝甲武器，採"筒彈一體"設計，打完就可丟棄，避免被敵人撿拾，鑑測過程也發生插曲，第八靶位出現"不發火"狀況，兩度障礙排除皆無效，陸軍強調這也是平常訓練環節之一，讓部隊更貼近實戰。

揹著紅隼火箭彈，官兵依序就射擊位置，接獲指令後，朝目標開火。

紅隼火箭彈精準命中200公尺外的模擬目標，場面超震撼。

[[八軍團137旅步一營一兵呂峻銘]]
“紅隼實彈射擊與在步校實施空操的感覺截然不同。第一次進入基地任務，也因為任務讓我真正體驗到紅隼實彈的射擊。”

[[八軍團137旅步一營一兵林平]]
“就是就是當作平常在訓練，然後(紅隼火箭彈)其實沒有說到很重。”

紅隼火箭彈為中科院研製的反裝甲利器，安裝5倍倍率瞄準鏡，有效射程為200公尺，可貫穿40公分的低碳鋼與27公分均質鋼板，採「筒彈一體」設計，擊發後就可丟棄，避免被敵軍撿拾。

這次紅隼實彈射擊，過程中也出現「不發火」情況，兩次故障排除都沒有效果，官兵依規定交給未爆彈處理小組處置，軍方強調相關情況都有演練過。

[[陸軍南測中心副指揮官余紹睿]]
“不發火的故障排除，它本身就是我們訓練科目的一環，都會針對故障排除程序來做演練。因為是新式彈藥，所以我們也會請中科院針對這發彈藥，做後續的檢查，把確切的問題找出來，作為後面精進作為。”

[[民視記者楊凱安]]
“國軍強化戰力多管齊下，除了恢復一年役期，義務役也史上首次來進行紅隼火箭彈的實彈射擊，強化單兵作戰能力，應對當前的台海局勢。”

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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The issue of whether or not to demolish the pedestrian overpass at the Heping-Xinsheng intersection in Taipei has sparked a heated debate. The city government has temporarily suspended its demolition plan amid calls for its preservation. However, Mayor Chiang Wan-an pointed out the overpass is barely used by anyone and has urged officials to move forward with the plan, provided there is adequate communication. On Wednesday, the organizer of the "Save the Heping-Xinsheng Overpass" campaign spoke out, asking the mayor to fulfill his promise of continuing dialogue.

Colorful prints and graffiti fill the Heping-Xinsheng bridge. The pedestrian overpass was scheduled to be demolished on Monday, but the plan was suspended amid a sense of reluctance and nostalgia. For many, this overpass is more than just a pedestrian bridge. It’s a symbol of memories.

Local resident
If you’re feeling down at night, and it’s too late to go somewhere else, this area is very bright and safe, so people often come to this overpass. Some just sit here and space out, while others, like dog walkers, also find this bridge useful.

Local resident
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Standing for 42 years, the Heping-Xinsheng overpass has become a local landmark. On it, there are now wedding photos taken there years ago, as well as colorful sticky notes with heartfelt messages expressing the desire to preserve the bridge. A “Save the Bridge” campaign was launched in response to the city government’s decision to move forward with demolition. Opponents of the demolition claim that although the mayor had promised continued communication, they have yet to see any genuine effort or sincerity in fulfilling that commitment.

Lin Wen-chun
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Large-scale events are held at Da’an Forest Park, which is a designated disaster prevention park. Having an additional overpass could provide more options for evacuation, allowing people to move more quickly in case of an emergency. If a disaster or urgent situation were to occur and an evacuation is needed, having an extra route would definitely help with crowd dispersal and ensure a smoother evacuation process.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
The Heping-Xinsheng overpass sometimes has an actual usage rate of less than 10%. If former Mayor Huang Ta-chou had not demolished the Chunghwa Market back then, there wouldn’t be today’s Zhonghua Road, nor the bustling Ximen District. When it comes to the right thing, we’ll stick to it, speak boldly, and act decisively.

The Transportation Department pointed out that the four supporting pillars of the overpass at its intersections are like “large A-pillars for vehicles,” creating visual blind spots when turning. It’s a tough chasm between collective memory and safety concerns.

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At the press conference, special attention was given to the children of immigrants, as the program will continue its previous theme of showcasing the touching stories of immigrants putting down roots in Taiwan. Moving forward, more children of immigrants will take the spotlight, bringing fresh energy to the show.

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This season’s program focuses specifically on the new developments among new immigrants in Taiwan. They have integrated into Taiwanese society, worked hard on this land, and, like us residents who’ve been here longer, faced many challenges and difficulties. However, they have also achieved significant success. Through this program, we aim to highlight and showcase their stories and accomplishments.

The program is set to debut on Friday, offering a chance to learn about the new members of Taiwanese society.

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Presser for firefighter calendar delights audience

On Wednesday morning, six Australian firefighters teamed up with their Taiwanese counterparts to attend the press conference for the 2025 Taiwan/Australia Firefighter Calendar. Not only did they show off their well-toned physiques, they also participated in a fitness showdown. In the end, the Taiwanese team emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.

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Tainan temple digs out of storage a priceless embroidered flag

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This nearly 10-meter-long temple procession flag has been locked up for decades. Now it’s seen the light of day again as part of a reorganization of the temple’s artifacts.

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One side illustrates “Journey to the West,” and the other, “Investiture of the Gods.” Every stitch is so fine. And the design is 3D.

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Hsu Yu-chin
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If we, ourselves, arrange these artifacts, then firstly we’ll feel a deep connection with them, and secondly we’ll be really careful, because these objects belong to our own faith.

Shang Di Temple was founded more than 300 years ago, and its primary deity is the “Great Emperor,” also known as Xuanwu. A flag like this one is full of craftsmanship, historical significance, and religious meaning. It even includes many interesting details related to the daily life of bygone generations: there’s much more here than meets the eye.

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