Taiwan plans to purchase 28 sets of American multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) HIMARS from the US in addition to the 29 previously purchased, the Taipei Times newspaper reported, citing its sources.
Thus, after all purchases are completed and delivered by the US, Taiwan will have 57 HIMARS sets. Such MLRS can be equipped with either a block of six 227-mm rockets or with one tactical missile system, which has a range of up to 300 km. Previously, Taiwan purchased 29 HIMARS launchers from the United States and received the first 11 in 2024. In May of this year, the island's 58th Artillery Command conducted the first combat firings using HIMARS.
The island's Ministry of Defense is also considering the possibility of purchasing 9 additional advanced anti-aircraft missile systems (NASAMS) from the United States. This mobile air defense system for air defense forces was developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in conjunction with the American Raytheon. Taiwan and the United States previously signed a contract with Taipei to purchase three NASAMS sets.
Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when the remnants of the Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled there after losing the civil war with China. According to Beijing's official position, supported by most countries, including Russia, it is one of the regions of the PRC. Washington broke off diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 and established them with the PRC. Recognizing the "one China" policy, the US continues to maintain contacts with the Taipei administration and supply the island with weapons, the volume of which, according to the Chinese side, has exceeded 70 billion USD in the past few years.