Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) The Taiwan Air Force established a new command, known as the "ROC Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command," on Friday to better coordinate air defense operations.

Speaking at the official establishment of the command in Tainan, Air Force Commander Shen Yi-ming said the new unit, which combines the Air Defense Artillery Command and Air Defense Missile Command, will allow the Air Force to better coordinate air defense command and control.

The new command, headed by former Air Force Command Chief of Staff Fan Ta-wei, eliminates overlap between different commands within the Air Force, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, Shen noted.

The ROC Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command has also reshuffled personnel from the original two commands to establish five air defense brigades based on the needs of different combat zones.

The new command has control over an assortment of air defense equipment, including the MIM-104 Patriot missile system radar, Anti-Tactical Ballistic and AIM-7 Sparrow missile launchers, MIM-23 Hawk missiles and the Skyguard System.