Ankara: A Patriot PAC-2 missile exploded shortly after its launch during an annual precision munition exercise in southern Taiwan, according to a report by Focus Taiwan. The incident occurred on Wednesday as part of the military’s scheduled drills in Pingtung County.

According to Anadolu Agency, a military source informed the national news agency that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown. Initial media reports indicated that one of the two missiles fired during the drill exploded four seconds post-launch. The military has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

The Air Force issued a statement confirming the completion of its annual “Sea and Air Precision Ammunition Firing Exercises” early Wednesday. The statement mentioned that a military evaluation committee would review the drill results but did not provide additional details.

In a separate development, Taiwan has deployed four surface-to-air Sky Bow III missile installations in Taitung, a city in the southeastern part of the island, along with the necessary operational equipment. This information was reported by Taiwan News.

Additionally, a senior US National Guard official recently noted that over 500 Taiwanese troops participated in the Northern Strike exercise in Michigan, as reported by the American military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. The United States remains Taiwan’s chief arms supplier and a key international supporter, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties due to global diplomatic policies favoring China.

The geopolitical tension persists as China continues to claim Taiwan as a ‘breakaway province,’ whereas Taipei has maintained its stance on independence since 1949.