Taiwan activates first HIMARS rocket system unit

Taiwan has quietly received and deployed its first batch of 11 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), marking a significant enhancement to its defense capabilities.

The arrival of the first HIMARS launchers was confirmed during a classified visit by members of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee to inspect the systems.

The HIMARS systems, part of a U.S. arms deal comprising 29 units, were delivered in late 2023. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed the delivery in November but kept operational details tightly secured. Vice Minister Po Hung-hui stated that the systems will strengthen Taiwan’s cross-regional support and preemptive strike capabilities.

Committee chair Wang Ting-yu shared images of the HIMARS during a confidential visit to a central Taiwan base on January 6. In a Facebook post, Wang praised the military personnel trained in the U.S., stating, “The troops are highly skilled in operating the HIMARS systems and demonstrate exceptional morale.”

The HIMARS can carry six precision-guided rockets or a single MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with a range exceeding 500 kilometers, enabling Taiwan to strike distant targets and enhance its deterrence against potential aggressors.

The deployment of HIMARS comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait.