Taiwan conducted its first live-firing of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on Monday, May 12, 2025, marking a significant upgrade in its defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.
Amidst China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan and its threats of military action, Taiwan has been bolstering its defense through the acquisition of advanced weaponry from the United States.
The HIMARS, a truck-mounted rocket launcher capable of launching multiple precision-guided rockets simultaneously, was deployed for the first time in a live-fire exercise at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung County.
The presence of U.S. technical personnel during the drill helped address a minor technical issue, highlighting the cooperation between the two nations in enhancing Taiwan’s combat readiness.
Despite the absence of official diplomatic ties, the United States remains a crucial ally of Taiwan, providing military support and equipment to counter Chinese threats.
The delivery of 11 HIMARS units to Taiwan in November signifies a strategic shift in Taiwan’s defense strategy towards modernizing its forces to deter potential adversaries.
As tensions escalate in the region, Taiwan’s demonstration of its military capabilities serves as a deterrent against any aggressive actions from China.
Published – May 13, 2025 02:21 am IST
