IRIA News

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Taiwan conducted its first live-fire test of the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on May 12, 2025, in an exercise held at the Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.

The live-fire drills mark a pivotal step in Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its military readiness in the face of increasing pressure from China.

Taiwan has procured a total of 29 HIMARS units from the United States, with the first batch of 11 delivered in November 2024. The remaining 18 units are expected to arrive by next year, ahead of the original 2027 schedule.

The HIMARS system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a truck-mounted launcher capable of firing multiple precision-guided rockets with a range of approximately 300 kilometers. This range enables Taiwan to target strategic locations across the Taiwan Strait, including China’s Fujian province.

The live-fire test was conducted by a U.S.-trained Taiwanese military team, with support from U.S. personnel to address any technical issues. Leading officer of the live-fire drills, Officer Ho Hsiang-yih emphasized the significance of the test, stating, “I believe that this rocket firing shows our people the military’s determination to protect the country’s security and safeguard our beautiful homeland”.

Strategic deployment and training

The HIMARS units are being integrated into Taiwan’s defense strategy, with new multiple-launch rocket battalions established in the north, central, and southern regions, as well as the Penghu Islands. The 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps, stationed in Taichung, is currently undergoing training to operate these systems.

To ensure effective operation and maintenance, Taiwan sent 30 military personnel to the United States for HIMARS training from February to October 2024. These trained personnel have since returned to Taiwan to facilitate the deployment of the systems.

Rising tensions

The live-fire test comes amid escalating military activities by China near Taiwan. On Sunday, Taiwan reported detecting another “joint combat readiness patrol” by China’s military, involving warplanes and warships operating near the island. Beijing continues to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, which the government in Taipei firmly rejects, stating that only the island’s people can decide their future.

In response to these pressures, Taiwan has been strengthening its defense capabilities through various arms procurements from the United States. These include the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets, M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks, and Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems.

US-Taiwan Defense Relations

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties since 1979, the United States remains Taiwan’s most significant arms supplier and strategic partner. The U.S. has sold Taiwan billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment over the past five decades, including advanced fighter jets and warships. The delivery and deployment of HIMARS systems underscore the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.

Taiwan’s successful live-fire test of the HIMARS system represents a critical milestone in its ongoing efforts to fortify its defense posture. As regional tensions persist, the integration of advanced military technologies like HIMARS serves as both a deterrent and a testament to Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and democratic values.

HIMARS System

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a long-range, mobile, precision fire launcher interoperable with C2 systems. It is described by the U.S. military as a full-spectrum, combat-proven, all-weather, 24/7, lethal and responsive, wheeled precision strike weapons system. HIMARS is rapidly deployable by C-130, quickly enhancing combat effectiveness.

Mounted on a five-ton truck chassis, HIMARS offers superior mobility, allowing it to rapidly deploy, reposition, and retreat after firing, a tactic known as “shoot and scoot.” This mobility makes it ideal for modern, dynamic battlefields where speed and flexibility are critical for survivability and effectiveness.

The HIMARS can launch six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, enabling engagement of targets at distances ranging from 15 kilometers to over 300 kilometers, depending on the munition.

The precision-guided munitions allow HIMARS to strike point and area targets with high accuracy, reducing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness against high-value or time-sensitive threats. The system’s digital fire control system supports rapid targeting and mission execution, improving responsiveness on the battlefield.