TAICHUNG, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s armed forces launched rockets toward China using American-made mobile rocket systems during military exercises Wednesday, showcasing defensive tactics against a potential Chinese invasion.
The exercise marked the first occasion that the U.S.-provided HIMARS system fired rockets into the Taiwan Strait waters separating the island from mainland China, though the weapons platform had undergone previous testing.
“Due to the current enemy threat, we will continue HIMARS training with unwavering determination to protect Taiwan as the nation’s strongest force,” army Sgt, Wang Ming-hui said.
Military officials confirmed they deployed training rockets with shortened range capabilities that splash down in coastal waters shortly after launch.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway territory that must eventually reunite with mainland China. Chinese military vessels and aircraft routinely patrol near the island, while major war games have taken place in surrounding areas recently. Washington maintains no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but opposes forced reunification and serves as the island’s primary arms supplier.
The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System features truck-mounted rocket pods that can emerge from concealed locations, fire missiles, and rapidly relocate using “shoot-and-scoot” strategies.
The rocket launches occurred during day two of military exercises along Taiwan’s western coastline facing China. The training operations, which also featured 155mm howitzers, practiced responses to Chinese invasion scenarios while testing quick deployment and accurate targeting abilities.
The HIMARS platform served as the drill’s main attraction. Following launch authorization, the vehicle positioned itself and fired rockets with brilliant flashes in under three minutes, highlighting its “shoot-and-scoot” maneuverability.
Washington announced intentions in December to provide Taiwan with 82 additional HIMARS units through a significant weapons package, though the deal appears suspended following President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing last month.
