Taiwan’s military marked a historic moment on June 10, 2026, by firing High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) into the Taiwan Strait, directly facing China. This live-fire exercise signals Taiwan's determination to bolster its defenses against an increasingly aggressive Chinese stance.
Why it matters: This exercise is the first time Taiwan has deployed HIMARS in a live-fire scenario targeting China. It demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to self-defense and serves as a warning to Beijing.
The HIMARS system, known for its mobility and precision, is key to Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy against a potential Chinese invasion.
Taiwan's military aims to conduct more realistic training exercises in areas most likely to be targeted during a conflict.
This drill reflects the heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, with daily incursions by Chinese military assets around the island.
Driving the news: The Taiwanese army fired 36 test rockets from truck-mounted HIMARS launchers during a two-day drill near Taichung, Taiwan's western coast. This region is viewed as a potential landing point for invading Chinese forces.
The exercise involved launching from a site near a river mouth, demonstrating rapid deployment capabilities.
In addition to HIMARS, the military used domestically produced Thunderbolt-2000 rockets and US-made Paladin howitzers.
The drills simulated a scenario where an enemy amphibious force attempts to invade Taiwan’s central region.
State of play: Taiwan's HIMARS exercise comes against a backdrop of delayed US arms support, including a $14 billion package that is currently on hold. This package includes 82 HIMARS systems and 420 ATACMS tactical missiles.
The Trump administration had previously approved the sale, but recent diplomatic tensions with China have complicated its approval.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island.
The exercise serves to reinforce Taiwan’s military readiness and public confidence in its ability to defend itself.
The big picture: The HIMARS system is integral to Taiwan's defense strategy, allowing the military to strike coastal targets in China’s Fujian province from a distance of approximately 300 kilometers.
By utilizing mobile launchers, Taiwan can employ "shoot-and-scoot" tactics, making it difficult for adversaries to target them after firing.
The recent exercise is part of a broader shift in Taiwan's military strategy, emphasizing mobility and flexibility over traditional large-scale military hardware.
Geopolitically, Taiwan’s actions are closely monitored by the United States and allies, who support Taiwan's right to self-defense.
What they're saying: Taiwanese officials emphasized the importance of the exercise in light of the current threat environment.
“Due to the current enemy threat, we will continue HIMARS training with unwavering determination to protect Taiwan as the nation’s strongest force,” army Sgt. Wang Ming-hui said.
Company commander Ko Ming-pin noted, “Our HIMARS demonstrated the solid combat capabilities of the unit and successfully completed this training.”
The government asserts that only the island's people can determine their future, rejecting China's sovereignty claims.
By the numbers: The HIMARS system has a range of about 300 km, allowing it to reach targets deep within mainland China.
Thirty-six rockets were launched during the exercise, marking a substantial show of force.
The two-day drill involved firing guided munitions at targets within six miles (approximately 9.7 km).
The HIMARS system has been integral to military operations in Ukraine, highlighting its effectiveness in modern warfare.
What's next: Taiwan plans to continue enhancing its military capabilities and conducting similar exercises to prepare for potential threats.
Future drills may focus on integrating new technologies and tactics to counter Chinese military advancements.
As geopolitical tensions rise, Taiwan’s military modernization efforts will likely remain a focal point for both domestic and international observers.
The outcome of the stalled US arms package will significantly impact Taiwan's defense posture moving forward.