Taiwan Conducts HIMARS Firing Exercises Toward China for the First Time 0 13

The Taiwanese armed forces conducted training missile launches using American HIMARS systems toward China, practicing actions in case of possible military aggression from Beijing.

The exercises took place on June 10 on the western coast of the island and were part of large-scale military maneuvers. This is the first time Taiwan has used HIMARS systems for firing toward the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China.

According to CNN, the military used training missiles with reduced flight range. The munitions fell into the sea near the coast of Taiwan.

The scenario of the exercises involved repelling a possible invasion by Chinese troops. In addition to HIMARS, 155-millimeter howitzers were also involved in the maneuvers. Special attention was paid to practicing rapid deployment tactics and delivering precision strikes based on the "shoot and scoot" principle.

"Given the current threat from the adversary, we will continue to master the use of HIMARS with unwavering determination to defend Taiwan as the most powerful force of our country," said Army Sergeant Wang Minghui.

Taiwan's representative in the U.S., Alexander Yu, confirmed that the recently supplied HIMARS systems from the United States were used in the exercises. Commenting on the firing direction, he noted that the geographical position of the island limits the choice of direction.

"Taiwan is an island. We can shoot either east or west, so the west was chosen," explained the diplomat.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and refers to it as a "rebel province." Beijing regularly sends military ships and aircraft to areas around the island and conducts large-scale exercises near its borders.

The United States does not officially recognize Taiwan's independence but opposes changing its status by force and remains the largest supplier of weapons to the Taiwanese military.

The first combat firing from HIMARS toward the Taiwan Strait has become yet another signal of the growing tension between Taipei and Beijing. Against the backdrop of China's regular military activity, the island continues to strengthen its defensive capabilities with U.S. support.