The US rocket launchers are in high demand due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict
The first shipment of 11 HIMARS rocket launchers, manufactured in the United States, is expected to arrive in Taiwan by the end of 2024, according to the Taipei Times, citing military sources. This anticipated delivery is part of the ongoing US support for Taiwan, despite strong opposition from Beijing, which considers the island to be a part of China.
Taipei has placed an order for a total of 29 units, aiming to have all of them delivered by 2026. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the weapons system, has stated that they will increase production in response to the rising demand from Ukraine.
Washington agreed to sell the initial batch of 11 launchers in 2020, after a previous deal for the acquisition of M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers fell through. Taiwan has subsequently ordered an additional 18 units.
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) are capable of launching volleys of GPS-guided rockets, GLMRS bombs, or Army Tactical Missiles (ATACMS). According to Taiwanese media, the island has secured contracts for at least 864 rockets and 84 ATACMS.
The US has provided Ukraine with “more than 40” HIMARS launchers and ammunition since the outbreak of the conflict with Russia. Last week, Washington announced the sale of another 16 launchers to Norway, as part of a package valued at $580 million.
Last month, China imposed sanctions on Lockheed Martin and US weapons manufacturers, citing their involvement in supplying Taiwan with military equipment. This action came after Washington announced a package of drones and other weaponry to the island.
Although the US officially recognizes Taiwan as part of China, it has provided the island with weapons, ammunition, and equipment in recent years to “deter” an “invasion” from the mainland. The US also maintains informal diplomatic and economic ties with Taipei, which is a key source of semiconductors and chips for Western markets.
The US assisted in the evacuation of Chinese nationalist forces to Taiwan in 1949, after the Communists emerged victorious in the civil war. Washington only officially recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1979, treating the government in Taipei as the ‘Republic of China’ in the interim.
Beijing’s official policy towards Taiwan is peaceful reintegration, although China has not ruled out the use of force in the event of the island declaring independence.