Taiwan Fires HIMARS Missiles in Drill Simulating Chinese Invasion
Taiwan’s military fired U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems during a major live-fire exercise on Wednesday, simulating strikes against an invading Chinese force and showcasing the island’s growing defense capabilities.
The drill took place near the central city of Taichung on Taiwan’s west coast, the area considered most vulnerable to a potential amphibious assault from China. It marked the first time Taiwan has used the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in exercises facing the Taiwan Strait.
Military officials said the exercise demonstrated the system’s «shoot-and-scoot» capability, allowing launchers to fire rockets and quickly relocate to avoid enemy counterattacks. The HIMARS platform has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in Ukraine’s war against Russia.
Taiwan is expanding its use of mobile, precision-guided weapons as part of an asymmetric defense strategy designed to deter a larger Chinese military force. With a range of up to 300 kilometers, HIMARS rockets could potentially reach targets along China’s southeastern coast.
The exercise comes amid continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military activity around the island, while Taipei insists that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future.
