According to CNA on November 4, 2024, Taiwan received its first shipment of M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) from the United States, aimed at enhancing cross-regional reinforcement and long-range strike capabilities. Military sources indicate that the initial units arrived in October 2024 and are currently undergoing installation and operational training with the Army’s 58th Artillery Command. This delivery is part of a broader procurement of 29 HIMARS units, initiated to meet Taiwan’s defensive needs across key zones and strengthen its long-range precision strike capabilities.
The M142 HIMARS system will enhance Taiwan’s ability to target critical military assets along China’s southeastern coast, potentially deterring or disrupting amphibious assault preparations.
Taiwan initially planned to acquire 11 HIMARS units in 2020 but expanded its order by 18 additional units in 2022, following a decision not to purchase an extra 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers. This adjustment brings the total order to 29 HIMARS, with complete delivery expected by 2026. Military sources note that the first batch of 11 units is slated for deployment between late 2024 and early 2025. The total cost for the 29 HIMARS is NT$32.5 billion (US$1.06 billion), including 84 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 300 kilometers, and 864 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) rockets, enhancing Taiwan’s precision targeting capacity.