According to the Taipei Times, drawing on MND disclosures and its five-year force structure plan, military police would defend metropolitan Taipei and critical infrastructure against surprise attacks such as 'decapitation strikes.' Their counter-terrorism and presidential protection roles remain, with urban defense added.

The paper said the 1st Garrison Combat Team would defend southern Taipei, including the Boai Special Zone, working with the 66th Marine Brigade at Songshan Air Base and the Army's Guandu Area Command. In wartime, volunteers and conscripts would protect key government buildings in the zone, as well as major roads, bridges and energy infrastructure.

Equipment and budget

A senior defense official, speaking anonymously on Sept. 25, said the proposed budget reflects this future role. Priorities are urban combat, asymmetric warfare and low-altitude counter-drone air defense, with counter-drone capability emphasized most. The US-made mobile M-ACE system carries sensors, radar, electronic warfare modules, directed-energy effectors and a 30mm chain gun with a 3km effective range.

The new T112 rifle and Smartshooter optics, able to engage drones at 400m, go first to military police. NT$140 million (about US$4.39 million) is earmarked for remote weapon stations with anti-tank guided missiles, likely mounted on light tactical vehicles or Clouded Leopard fighting vehicles. The budget also covers assault ladder vehicles, armored personnel carriers and a heavily armored presidential command vehicle disguised as a civilian car.

The expansion fits Taiwan's broader effort to layer the defense of the capital region against pressure from across the Strait. The Taipei Times account rests entirely on MND statements, and final size and timing may change after budget review.