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Taiwanese troops have test-fired an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for the first time.
The Republic of China has reportedly purchased 29 HIMARS from American defence prime Lockheed Martin and test-fired its first system at Jiupeng test centre on the island’s south-eastern coast.
In addition, the Republic of China Army has previously sent military personnel to the United States for training on the system.
“We are conducting firing training today. After returning to base, we will conduct combat readiness training,” said Taiwanese 58 Artillery Command Colonel He Chih, who spoke to local media after the firing.
“After that combat readiness training is complete, we will implement this system into the army.”
The first batch of 11 HIMARS was reportedly delivered to the country in November.
Earlier this month, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the US military will attempt to field long-range missiles capable of striking moving land and maritime targets by 2027.
“The president gave us a clear mission: achieve peace through strength,” he said in a Pentagon memo addressing US Army transformation and acquisition reform.
“To achieve this, the United States Army must prioritise defending our homeland and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Deterring war, and if required, winning on the rapidly evolving battlefield requires soldiers who are physically and mentally resilient, rigorously trained and equipped with the best technology available.”
The Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces have previously announced a partnership to develop the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) co-development program for advance long-range precision fire capabilities.
PrSM surface-to-surface, all weather, precision strike guided missiles are expected to be able to destroy, neutralise and suppress targets at ranges from 70 kilometres to more than 400km.
The Australian Army’s head of Land Capability, Major General Simon Stuart, said the precision strike guided missile will provide the Joint Force Commander with long range and deep strike capability from the land.
“Increment two of the program, committed under the MOU, will seek to incorporate technology that allows ships and air defence systems to be engaged,” MAJGEN Stuart said.
