Taiwan Tests HIMARS Missiles on Island’s West Coast in Major Live-fire Drills

U.S. Naval Institute ^ | JUNE 11, 2026 | AARON-MATTHEW LARIOSA

[Retain Mike]

Taipei showcased its new American missile launchers through numerous live-fire salvos in a drill this week that Taiwanese troops claimed demonstrated the system’s mobility and long-range strike capabilities.

The Republic of China Army fired its recently procured M142 High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS) on Wednesday as the main highlight of a series of drills designed to validate the island’s precision strike capabilities, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said in a news release. The Lockheed Martin-made missile systems rehearsed firing missions and rapid redeployment, with the HIMARS relocating to new firing positions within three minutes of launching, according to the ministry.

State media outlet TaiwanPlus reported that 32 rockets were fired in the drill and four failed to launch.

This week’s drill was part of a comprehensive series of exercises being held across Taiwan’s western coast involving missile and artillery systems. From anti-tank missiles to self-propelled guns, these mainstays of Taipei’s ground forces are among the arsenal of weapons that Taiwan would use if Chinese forces attempted an invasion of the island. In recent years, Taipei has staked its defensive posture on an increased procurement of long-range missiles, attack drones and precision strike systems such as the American HIMARS.

In Taiwan’s 2025 national defense report, HIMARS is highlighted as a key capability that will strengthen the ability of forces based on the western side of the island. The document reads that the launchers would enable “long-range strikes against enemy forces and high value targets, and improve the effectiveness of defensive operations.”

Taiwan wants to field a force of 111 HIMARS through a planned order of 82 launchers announced last fall. Taipei’s first purchase of the advanced American missile systems was filed in 2024, with Taiwanese forces receiving the batch of launchers in May of 2025.

Originally designed as a successor to the Cold War M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, HIMARS modularity and mobility has been demonstrated in recent conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Capable of supporting munitions that can hit targets from 20 to 186 miles, the launcher is now being eyed for extended-range missiles capable of striking moving vessels out to 621 miles.

For Taiwan, HIMARS joins a growing pool of U.S. precision strike munitions that are envisioned to sink Chinese amphibious landing forces and cripple beachheads in the event Beijing attempts an invasion of the island. Last week saw a drill involving American-made loitering munitions from defense contractor Anduril against maritime targets. HIMARS equipped with Army Tactical Missiles can also give Taiwanese commanders the ability to strike targets on mainland China during a conflict, including ports of embarkation for invasion forces, ports and airfields. Taiwanese media outlets have reported that Taipei plans to forward-base HIMARS on islands near China.

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TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: china; invasion; redchina; taiwan

[Retain Mike]

Hope there are not any Chinese parts in these missiles.

[delta7]

US Himars failed in Ukraine. Some say not enough ( possibly) others state the more probable- Vlad hunted them down and like the Patriots- were destroyed.

China had learned much through the Ukie war. Fact is if Taiwan is depending on the US with a 7,000 mile supply line, they will be defeated by China’s 90 mile supply line.

[Retain Mike]

Yes. Logistics is number one.