Taiwan’s recent HIMARS live-fire drills sent shockwaves through regional power dynamics, highlighting the precarious balance in East Asia.
At a Glance
- Taiwan’s first HIMARS live-fire test took place on May 12, 2025.
- Conducted at the Jiupeng military base in Pingtung County.
- The exercise simulated a counterattack against a Chinese amphibious landing.
- HIMARS launched seven guided rockets, signifying enhanced strike capability.
Taiwan’s Strategic Military Exercise
Taiwan executed its inaugural live-fire test of the U.S.-supplied M142 HIMARS during the “Thunder” military exercise on May 12, 2025. The drill, conducted at the Jiupeng military base, Pingtung County, simulated a counterattack against a hypothetical Chinese amphibious landing—a clear signal of Taiwan’s defensive rigor in the face of regional threats. These actions aren’t just about firepower; they mark Taiwan’s preparedness to protect its sovereignty with precise, rapid response capabilities.
During the exercise, HIMARS systems launched seven guided rockets with a range capability from 70 to 94 kilometers, demonstrating their precision and reach. The simulated counterstrike showcased the power and real-world application of these systems, capable of warding off potential aggressions. This shift to HIMARS in place of the Paladin M109A6 howitzers underscores Taiwan’s strategic pivot in enhancing rapid-response and precision-strike capabilities.
Taiwan’s Commitment to Defense
Beyond showcasing HIMARS, Taiwan also demonstrated the Thunderbolt-2000 multiple rocket launcher system, firing over 2,000 projectiles during the “Thunder” drill. This indicated Taiwan’s robust capability to deliver area denial fire rapidly—an essential component of modern warfare strategy. The exercise reinforces Taiwan’s approach to deterrence by maximizing military technological advantage and readiness.
“We believe this exercise provides an opportunity to enhance our troubleshooting capabilities, allowing us to better demonstrate realistic combat readiness in the event of war.” – Colonel Ho Chih-chung.
The deployment of HIMARS systems highlights the deep and sustained military partnership between Taiwan and the United States. This relationship has been pivotal in Taiwan’s ongoing modernization of its defense infrastructure, ensuring it remains equipped to face possible threats from a much larger adversary.
The Global Implications
The introduction of HIMARS into Taiwan’s arsenal is not only about enhancing military capabilities. It’s representative of a significant geopolitical message amidst tensions in the region. Despite the formal diplomatic break in 1979, the U.S. continues to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities, as evidenced by this latest delivery and the historical billions spent on military supplies.
China’s claim over Taiwan complicates the regional landscape, with threats of force looming over the island. However, Taiwan’s recent drills affirm its commitment to self-defense and highlight a proactive stance against unsolicited aggression. The U.S.-Taiwan military cooperation, as symbolized by the HIMARS deployment, remains a crucial element in maintaining the fragile balance in East Asia.
