The Taiwanese government has announced the acquisition of 18 additional M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers to bolster its precision strike capabilities.
The procurement is on top of the 11 launchers the island nation requested from the US in 2021, bringing the total to 29.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence, the additional order is covered by the Long-Range Precision Fire Strike System procurement project of the Taiwanese Army.
It also stated that the HIMARS should help the self-governing island to strengthen its asymmetric combat capabilities.
The systems will be handed over beginning in 2026, a year earlier than the original delivery date.
The HIMARS Weapon
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the HIMARS is the newest member of the multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) family.
It is a highly mobile artillery rocket system capable of supporting friendly forces with destructive, suppressive, and counter-battery fires.
The system is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions, including the extended-range rocket, reduced-range practice rocket, and all future variants.
The current HIMARS has an armored cab that can travel at a maximum speed of 94 kilometers (58 miles) per hour and offer increased protection to its crew.
Additionally, the system is C-130 air transportable, enabling it to support expeditionary forces deployed anywhere in the world.