Taiwan has officially established its first HIMARS multiple launch rocket missile battery, which is expected to enhance the military's precision strike capabilities and overall defense operational effectiveness.
With HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) equipped with Army Tactical Missiles (ATACMS) boasting a range of over 300 kilometers, its strike range covers the eastern half of Fujian Province.
On the 4th, Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng presided over the formation ceremony for the Army's 58th Artillery Command's HIMARS multiple launch rocket missile battery.
In his remarks, Chiu said this is the first Taiwanese military unit equipped with the HIMARS system, making it highly significant. The officers and soldiers participating in its formation were selected and transferred from various units starting last year, and subsequently completed training in the US for equipment reception, as well as command post coordination and ammunition vehicle operations. They also carried out this year's precision missile live-fire drills.
He emphasized that the formation of this new unit faces entirely new challenges; the personnel not only have to master weapon operations, but must also seamlessly integrate the HIMARS system into joint operational systems. The establishment of this multiple launch rocket missile battery will significantly improve the military's precision strike capabilities and overall defense effectiveness, achieving the goal of deterring war and safeguarding Taiwan's peace and security.
Chiu further noted that the HIMARS system represents a major breakthrough in long-range precision firepower for the Army, enabling rapid cross-regional reinforcement with firepower. When paired with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), it enables Taiwan's military to precisely target and strike enemy key targets.
The Taiwanese military has procured 29 sets of M142 HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from the United States, with the first batch of 11 units delivered to the Army's 10th Corps, 58th Artillery Command, in September last year.