Taiwan’s military has conducted a live-fire exercise using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems, marking the first time the mobile launchers have fired rockets into waters of the Taiwan Strait during an operational drill.
The exercise formed part of broader military maneuvers along Taiwan’s western coast, which faces mainland China.
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, has become a central element of Taiwan’s evolving defense strategy.
The truck-mounted launchers are designed for “shoot-and-scoot” operations, enabling crews to rapidly move into position, launch rockets, and relocate before becoming targets. Military officials said the drill demonstrated the system’s ability to deploy and fire within minutes.
Taiwan has increasingly focused on asymmetric defense capabilities as it seeks to deter potential military action from China.
China continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory and regularly conducts military activities near the island.
The United States, while not formally recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state, remains its primary defense supplier and has encouraged Taipei to strengthen capabilities designed to counter a larger military force.
The latest exercise highlights Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to improve readiness amid continued cross-strait tensions.
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Taiwan fires battle-tested rockets in ‘shoot-and-scoot’ anti-invasion drill https://t.co/riYCXuaHY0
— The Straits Times (@straits_times) June 10, 2026
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TIPP Staff
