On November 9, 2024, Taiwan received its first shipment of the U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), a significant boost to the nation’s long-range strike capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. Confirmed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense and reported by the Taiwanese Central News Agency, this delivery marks a pivotal advancement in Taiwan’s defense readiness, particularly in countering potential threats from China.
The ATACMS ballistic missile, a tactical ballistic system with a range of 300 km, offers precise strike capabilities that can reach deep into mainland China. Launched from the versatile and mobile HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) M142 vehicle, ATACMS enables Taiwan to target crucial military assets such as airbases, command posts, and logistical hubs. This capability is expected to play a crucial role in deterring or responding to potential aggression, as it enhances Taiwan’s preparedness for a high-stakes conflict scenario.
Originally approved by the United States on October 21, 2020, Taiwan’s acquisition deal included 64 ATACMS missiles and 11 M142 HIMARS launchers. However, recognizing the strategic importance of these systems, Taiwan later expanded its order by 20 more ATACMS units and an additional 18 HIMARS launchers, bringing the total to 84 missiles and 29 launchers. This expanded arsenal will allow Taiwan to conduct multiple, coordinated strikes across different regions, providing more flexibility and operational coverage.
The pairing of ATACMS with HIMARS is central to Taiwan’s broader defense strategy, which relies on swift, precise, and mobile assets. The mobility of the HIMARS launcher complicates detection and targeting by adversaries, ensuring that Taiwan’s defensive capabilities remain effective even in contested environments. With the range and mobility of these systems, Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy is strengthened, creating a robust deterrent by making critical assets and regions challenging for any potential aggressor to neutralize.