The Republic of China Armed Forces is set to establish a new military formation dedicated to operating the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This initiative follows the military’s initial live-fire trials of the HIMARS conducted in May at the Jiupeng base located in Pingtung County. A preparatory six-month training program was carried out to ensure that personnel are adequately equipped to utilize this advanced system.
According to a source from the local news agency Liberty Times, the new HIMARS unit is slated for induction next month, comprising members from the 10th Army Corps’ 58th Artillery Command. This significant move is part of Taiwan’s ongoing procurement efforts to acquire up to 29 HIMARS units from the United States. The comprehensive deal encompasses not only the artillery systems but also includes training shells, simulators, over 800 guided rockets, and approximately 84 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
Taiwan earlier received the first batch of its HIMARS order from Lockheed Martin in November 2024. This initial delivery consisted of 11 launchers, 16 ATACMS, and two simulators. According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, the remaining missiles are expected to be delivered later this year, while the second batch, consisting of an additional 20 ATACMS and rockets, is scheduled for 2026.
The M142 HIMARS is a 7-meter (23-foot) system operated by a crew of three and mounted on an M1140 Medium Tactical Vehicle truck. It boasts the capability to engage targets up to 499 kilometers (310 miles) away, depending on the type of missile deployed. Powering this vehicle is a robust 6.6-liter Caterpillar diesel engine delivering 290 horsepower, allowing for a range of 480 kilometers (299 miles) and a top speed of 85 kilometers per hour (53 miles per hour).
Once operational, the HIMARS systems are anticipated to complement Taiwan’s indigenous Thunderbolt 2000 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), thereby enhancing the military’s “high-low” attack capability across diverse operational domains.
In a related development, the inauguration of the HIMARS command is expected to coincide with large-scale live-fire training involving the M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks. This operation is part of Taiwan’s broader objective of enhancing its firepower amid escalating regional security concerns. The first batch of 38 Abrams tanks, part of a project initiated in 2019, arrived in Taiwan in December 2024, and training for armed forces personnel commenced two months later to facilitate effective familiarization with the combat vehicle.
Lockheed Martin’s precision strike missile (PrSM) is also designed to be fired from the HIMARS launcher and is expected to significantly bolster Taiwan’s military capabilities.
