Taiwan Tests HIMARS Missile System for First Time – Sending a Tough Signal to China
Taiwan has conducted its first test launch of the US-supplied HIMARS missile system, marking a major step forward in the island’s defense and combat readiness amid rising military tensions with China.
The test was held at the Jiupeng training center, located on Taiwan’s eastern coast. Here, the Taiwanese military – with direct technical support from US experts at Lockheed Martin – fired the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), a weapon that made a big splash on the battlefield in Ukraine.
HIMARS: A Strategic Weapon in Taiwan’s Hands
The HIMARS system, with a range of up to 300 km, is capable of attacking strategic coastal targets in China’s Fujian province – less than 200 km from the Taiwan Strait. It is one of the most advanced weapons the US has transferred to Taiwan in recent years.
The test is “clear evidence of our determination to safeguard our national security and territorial integrity,” military spokesman Ho Hsiang-yih said. US technical experts were on site to ensure all procedures ran smoothly, he added.
Rising Tensions With China
The test came just a day after Taiwan detected a new Chinese “combat readiness patrol” near the island, involving several warships and fighter jets. It is part of Beijing’s relentless military pressure campaign to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan.
Taiwan’s democratically elected government has repeatedly stressed that the island’s future should be decided by its own people, rejecting China’s claims of sovereignty.
The US – An Informal But Important Ally
Despite having no formal diplomatic relations, the US remains Taiwan’s largest military partner. The delivery of 29 HIMARS systems – 11 of which have been delivered since last year – is a clear demonstration of Washington’s commitment to security with Taipei. The remainder of the weapons are expected to be delivered in 2025.
HIMARS – The Choice of Great Powers
HIMARS has proven its superiority in the battlefields of Ukraine, where it has become the mainstay of the country’s defense against Russian forces. In addition to Taiwan, Australia is also increasing its HIMARS arsenal with an order for 42 systems, of which 2 have been delivered.
The geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is entering a more sensitive phase than ever. By putting HIMARS into service, Taiwan not only strengthens its defense capabilities but also sends a clear signal: the island is ready to defend itself against any threat.