First HIMARS MRLS Unit in Taiwan to be Operational in July to Support Coastal Defense.

According to information published by Taiwan News and the Liberty Times on June 17, 2025, Taiwan will activate its first artillery unit equipped with the M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system in July, marking a significant step in the country’s defense modernization. This announcement follows successful live-fire tests conducted on May 12 at the Jiupeng Military Base as part of the annual Thunder exercises. At the same time, the Army has launched two weeks of intensive live-fire drills with its new M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks, aimed at strengthening its armored warfare capabilities.
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Military analysts have highlighted the strategic complementarity between HIMARS and Taiwan’s domestically developed Thunderbolt-2000 rocket system (Picture source: US DoD)

The new HIMARS unit, designated as the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps, underwent six months of intensive training to operate the system. It will now be integrated into Taiwan’s operational military structure, providing enhanced long-range strike and rapid deployment capabilities, which are critical in the context of asymmetric warfare. The acquisition contract includes 29 HIMARS launchers, two simulators, 84 MGM-140 ATACMS missiles, and 864 guided rockets. To date, the Ministry of National Defense has confirmed the delivery of 11 launchers, 16 ATACMS missiles, and simulators. The remaining 48 rockets from the first batch were scheduled for delivery by the end of the first quarter. In contrast, the second batch, comprising 18 launchers, 20 ATACMS missiles, and precision munitions, is expected by 2026.

The M142 HIMARS is a multiple launch rocket system mounted on a 6x6 medium tactical truck chassis (FMTV), powered by a Caterpillar C7 engine coupled with a 7-speed Allison automatic transmission. It can reach a top road speed of 85 km/h with a maximum range of 480 km. The launcher is capable of firing either six GMLRS guided rockets with a range of up to 70 km or a single ATACMS tactical missile with a range of 300 km. Thanks to its computerized fire control system, it can be operated by a reduced crew and is fully air-transportable by a C-130 aircraft. The armored cabin protects against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. HIMARS combines firepower, mobility, and protection, allowing for rapid strikes followed by swift repositioning before enemy countermeasures can be applied.

Military analysts have highlighted the strategic complementarity between HIMARS and Taiwan’s domestically developed Thunderbolt-2000 rocket system. The integration of HIMARS' precision capabilities with the Thunderbolt-2000's saturation fire capacity could significantly reinforce Taiwan’s coastal defense and amphibious counterattack potential. Expert Cheng Chi-wen has also suggested that the Chung-Shan National Institute of Science and Technology could adapt HIMARS guidance technology to local platforms, promoting interoperability and reinforcing Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Army has begun live-fire training with M1A2T tanks, scheduled from June 16 to 27, including both daytime and nighttime sessions. Overseen by the Armored Training Command, these drills aim to evaluate the tanks’ operational performance under varied combat conditions.

In a separate development, Taiwan’s military is preparing a major joint maritime and aerial exercise for August, which will include a live combat validation of the locally developed Kuai Chi uncrewed surface vessels. Ahead of this, a demonstration involving 13 domestic and foreign contractors will showcase capabilities such as autonomous navigation, remote guidance, and real-time visual targeting. The objective is to assess whether these explosive-laden uncrewed vessels can operate effectively against enemy defenses and carry out strikes on medium to large naval targets.

The commissioning of the HIMARS unit, the Abrams tank live-fire exercises, and upcoming maritime drone trials represent a strategic shift toward enhanced precision, mobility, and integrated technologies. These developments aim to strengthen Taiwan’s defense posture in the face of regional threats and support a deterrence strategy built on modern asymmetric warfare.