Taiwan’s military marked a new phase in its defensive capabilities on Monday with the first live-fire exercise of the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The event, held at the Jiupeng military base in Manjhou Township, Pingtung County, involved the Army’s elite 58th Artillery Command and saw 33 rockets launched from 11 vehicles.
What Happened at Jiupeng Base
The HIMARS drill was a high-profile milestone in Taiwan’s ongoing military modernization, particularly its strategy of asymmetric warfare—designed to offset China’s overwhelming military superiority.
Each of the 11 HIMARS launch vehicles fired three 227mm precision-guided rockets in coordinated strikes. While no data was released on target accuracy or impact zones, the sheer coordination of the drill showcased Taiwan’s growing competence in rapid missile deployment.
Personnel from the U.S., including technical advisors from Lockheed Martin—the system’s manufacturer—were on site to monitor and troubleshoot the process. Their presence underlines Washington’s continued security commitment to Taipei, even as tensions with Beijing remain acute.
A Strategic Leap Forward
The HIMARS system offers Taiwan new offensive flexibility. Each launcher can fire either:
- Six 227mm guided multiple launch rockets (approx. 80 km range), or
- A single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile (up to 300 km range).
With this range, Taiwan gains the ability to strike strategic targets along China’s southeastern coast—potentially airbases, radar installations, or staging areas for amphibious invasions.
While ATACMS were not tested in this drill, their future deployment represents a significant shift in Taiwan’s doctrine—from purely defensive posturing to deterrence through deep-strike capability.
The U.S.-Taiwan Defense Pipeline
Taiwan has ordered 29 HIMARS launchers in total:
- 11 delivered in 2024
- 18 more arriving in 2026 (expedited from 2027)
The $1.1 billion deal includes launcher units, precision munitions, training support, and logistics integration. The procurement is part of the broader U.S. $10 billion arms commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (TERA).
Beijing’s Likely Response
While Beijing has not officially responded to the HIMARS drill yet, military analysts expect a sharp reaction. China’s Ministry of National Defense has previously labeled HIMARS sales to Taiwan as “provocative” and “an act of interference.”
With the live-fire test occurring just days after joint U.S.-Philippine naval exercises and increased surveillance flights over the Taiwan Strait, Beijing may view this as an intentional escalation. In previous months, China responded to such developments with naval encirclement drills and large-scale incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Expert Commentary: What This Means for Taiwan
Dr. Lin Cheng-yi, a defense expert at Academia Sinica, told Taiwan Insight:
“HIMARS gives Taiwan a credible threat to high-value Chinese military targets. It changes the calculus. Beijing now has to worry about its own vulnerabilities, not just Taiwan’s.”
This development complements Taiwan’s other asymmetric capabilities such as the Hsiung Feng II and III anti-ship missiles, mobile radar systems, and indigenously produced drone fleets.
Domestic Impact: More Than a Drill
The Taiwanese public largely supports HIMARS deployment, viewing it as a necessary investment in deterrence. In a recent poll by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation, 71% of respondents supported increased missile defense spending, while 58% favored acquiring longer-range strike systems like ATACMS.
Looking Ahead: Toward Interoperability
Taiwan is also working to ensure interoperability between HIMARS and existing command-and-control systems. Integrating these into Taiwan’s Joint Operations Command System (JOCS) will be key to maximizing the launchers’ effectiveness.
FAQs
Why is HIMARS important for Taiwan?
HIMARS provides Taiwan with a mobile, precision-strike capability that can reach strategic targets across the Taiwan Strait, enhancing deterrence.
Is this the first time Taiwan has used U.S. missile systems like this?
No, Taiwan has long operated U.S.-made missile systems, but this is the first live-fire of HIMARS, marking a new strategic capability.
Will Taiwan get the long-range ATACMS missiles too?
Yes, according to defense contracts, Taiwan will receive ATACMS with a 300 km range in future HIMARS batches.
How has China responded?
While there’s no official statement yet, China is expected to condemn the drills and may increase military activity around Taiwan.
What is asymmetric warfare, and how does HIMARS fit in?
Asymmetric warfare involves leveraging technology and strategy to counter a larger adversary. HIMARS enables Taiwan to strike back without needing parity in forces.
