The United States has delivered the first batch of ATACMS tactical missiles to Taiwan, but the exact number is not yet known.
Here's what we know
The new HIMARS equipped with ATACMS missiles will be integrated into the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps, stationed in Taichung.
The range of the ATACMS missiles will allow the Taiwanese military to effectively counter the potential threat of an invasion from Communist China, as the missiles are capable of hitting targets in China.
In October 2020, the US Department of State approved the supply of 11 HIMARS M142 missile systems and 64 ATACMS M57 tactical missiles to the Republic of China (Taiwan). The agreement also includes the supply of related equipment and services, and the total value of this order is estimated at $436 million.
M142 HIMARS missile systems in Taiwan. Photo: Imgur.com
In May 2023, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of 18 additional HIMARS systems, due to difficulties in acquiring the US M-109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers.
This brings the total number of HIMARS ordered to 29 units and the number of ATACMS to 84 units. Additionally, the purchase of 864 rocket launchers is planned.
Delivery of the first batch of HIMARS to the Republic of China Army was scheduled for 2024, and delivery of the second batch for 2026. In October, Taiwan confirmed delivery of the first batch of 11 HIMARS systems purchased from the United States.
Source: CNA CNA
