Taiwan Displays US HIMARS Rockets in Military Drills to Show It’s Ready for Any China Attack — Reuters
Taiwan has started showing off one of its most powerful weapons — the U.S.-made HIMARS rockets — during a 10-day military exercise meant to prepare the island in case China tries to invade. According to Reuters, two military trucks carrying these advanced rockets were seen moving around Taichung, a city in central Taiwan.
The HIMARS, short for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, are known for their long range and high accuracy. Taiwan received 11 of them last year out of a total of 29 ordered from the U.S., Reuters reports. These rockets can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away, which means they could reach military bases on the coast of China — especially in Fujian province, just across the Taiwan Strait.
According to Reuters, the drills are part of Taiwan’s biggest annual military training called Han Kuang. The live-fire part of the exercise is expected next week. A top military spokesperson, Colonel Chen Lian-jia, told Reuters that in a real war, it’s important to hide these rocket systems from enemy drones, satellites, or even enemy spies until the exact moment they are needed.
Reuters also reported that China has criticized the exercise, calling it “just a bluff.” China doesn’t recognize Taiwan’s independence and has been increasing military pressure on the island through frequent air and sea patrols. But Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te says only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their future — not China.
Military experts told Reuters that the use of HIMARS in these Taiwan drills is being closely watched by other countries, especially because HIMARS has already been used successfully by Ukraine against Russian forces. Countries like Australia have also purchased these powerful systems from the U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin.
The drills simulate a real war situation — starting with fake attacks on Taiwan’s communication systems and ending in a full invasion. A locally made rocket system called Thunderbolt 2000 is also being tested alongside HIMARS. Military experts say using both systems together could stop Chinese ships and troops even before they reach Taiwan’s shores, Reuters added.
In short, Taiwan wants the world — especially China and the U.S. — to know it’s ready to defend itself. This display of force is not just for training but also to send a strong message: Taiwan is prepared, alert, and unwilling to back down.