How Taiwan’s military manpower shortage is undermining its ability to fight

AI Summary

Taiwan’s military has missed its volunteer staffing target for a third consecutive year, with personnel shortages affecting frontline units including infantry, artillery, missile, and air-defense formations. The shortfall is raising concerns about combat readiness and the ability to operate and maintain military equipment.

Taiwan’s military is grappling with a worsening manpower shortage, with its volunteer staffing rate remaining below the 80 per cent target for a third consecutive year and concerns mounting over the impact on combat readiness, according to the island’s legislature. The shortages extend deep into frontline formations – including infantry, artillery, missile and air defence units – raising questions over whether Taiwan will have enough trained personnel to operate and maintain the vast quantities...