Taiwan’s military has successfully conducted its first live-fire exercise using the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), marking a significant milestone in its evolving defense posture amid growing tensions with China.
The drill took place on Monday at the Jiupeng Base in Manjhou Township, Pingtung County, and was overseen by the 58th Artillery Command, as reported by Focus Taiwan. A total of 33 rockets were launched, with 11 HIMARS vehicles each firing three rounds. While the military did not disclose specifics of the drill’s outcomes, officials confirmed the presence of U.S. personnel at the site to address any technical concerns.
Colonel Ho Chih-chung, deputy commander of the 58th Artillery, emphasized the importance of the exercise in strengthening Taiwan’s rapid deployment and precision strike capabilities.
U.S.-Taiwan Defense Ties Deepen
The HIMARS delivery is part of a broader arms package from the United States, Taiwan’s principal military ally. Taiwan has ordered 29 HIMARS systems, with the first batch of 11 delivered in 2024. A second batch of 18 systems is expected in 2026, two years earlier than originally planned, according to a Ministry of National Defence (MND) report submitted to the Legislative Yuan in March.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Taiwan’s MND highlighted the strategic implications of the test:
“#HIMARS debuts in #Taiwan, showcasing rapid deployment and next-generation strike capabilities.”
The HIMARS units are capable of carrying either six 227mm precision rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), with a range of up to 300 kilometers, extending Taiwan’s strike reach significantly.
Geopolitical Backdrop: Rising Tensions with China
The live-fire drill comes amid escalating military and political pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory under the “One China Policy.” China has repeatedly vowed to “reunify” Taiwan, by force if necessary, and has intensified air and naval incursions near the island in recent years.
Former U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris recently warned of China’s aggressive posture during the Pacific Forum’s 50th anniversary event, urging the United States to abandon its policy of “strategic ambiguity.”
“China has made it abundantly clear it intends to isolate and seize Taiwan,” Harris stated. “We should be equally clear… and never allow China to dictate America’s foreign policy.”
A Historic Dispute
The Taiwan-China conflict stems from the 1949 Chinese Civil War, after which the Republic of China (ROC) government retreated to Taiwan. Since then, Taiwan has developed its own democratic government, military, and vibrant economy, operating as a de facto independent state. However, most countries, including the U.S., do not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate nation due to diplomatic pressure from Beijing.
Despite this, Taiwan has been a key strategic partner for Washington in the Indo-Pacific, and the HIMARS deployment further deepens this defense partnership.
With tensions simmering across the Taiwan Strait, the debut of HIMARS represents a symbolic and tactical advancement in Taiwan’s deterrence posture—one that signals its readiness to defend its autonomy.