Taiwan receives first HIMARS shipment

5 November, 2024 The first M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in Taiwan. October 2024. Photo credits: imgur.com

Taiwan has received the first batch of American M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. This was reported by the Central News Agency (CNA), and photos of the launchers were published on social media. This weapon will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Taiwanese Defense Forces, providing high-precision missiles and tactical ballistic missiles to hit targets.

The HIMARS shipment arrived in Taiwan in October. The military is now practicing the use of these systems. The exact number of launchers received is currently unknown.

A total of 29 missile systems were ordered from the United States.

Procurement history

In March 2020, Taiwan (Republic of China) requested the purchase of 15 HIMARS from the United States. Already in October, the US State Department approved potential military sales of 11 M142 systems and related equipment to Taiwan.

GMLRS rocket launch from the HIMARS MRL. Photo credits: U.S.

Army

In June of the following year, the Republic of China signed contracts with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for the purchase of 11 HIMARS launchers. The contract also includes 64 M57 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and other related equipment. In 2022, Taiwan ordered 18 additional M142 HIMARS missile systems and support equipment from the United States.

Taiwan decided to purchase them after the country's Ministry of National Defense abandoned its plan to purchase 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China said that the additional HIMARS purchased as part of the project was originally scheduled for delivery in 2027. However, the United States made adjustments in response to Taiwan's urgent needs and decided to accelerate the delivery.

Illustrative photo of M142 HIMARS.

Photo from open sources

The main equipment for the entire project is expected to be delivered by 2026.

In June 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation received a giant contract from the US Department of Defense to manufacture additional HIMARS systems worth £1.92 billion.