15 Chinese Military Aircraft Cross Taiwan Strait Median Line in 'Joint Combat Readiness Patrol'

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that 15 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on the morning of September 17, 2026, as part of a 'joint combat readiness patrol' with Chinese naval vessels. Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems in response to the incursion by a total of 19 detected aircraft and drones.