Taiwan Military Exercise SHOCKS China!

Taiwan flexes its military muscle with first live-fire test of US-supplied HIMARS rocket systems, sending a clear message to China amid escalating regional tensions.

At a Glance

  • Taiwan conducted its first live-fire test of HIMARS systems during the “Thunder” military exercise on May 12, 2025
  • The exercise at Jiupeng military base simulated a counterattack against a potential Chinese invasion
  • HIMARS demonstrated its precision by launching seven guided rockets at targets up to 94 kilometers away
  • Taiwan also showcased its domestically produced Thunderbolt-2000 rocket system, firing over 2,000 projectiles
  • US technical personnel assisted during the exercise, highlighting ongoing American military support despite formal diplomatic shifts

Strategic Defense Enhancement Against Chinese Threats

Taiwan has significantly bolstered its defensive capabilities with the successful first live-fire demonstration of its newly acquired High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The exercise, conducted at the Jiupeng military base in Pingtung County, marks a crucial advancement in Taiwan’s military preparedness against potential Chinese aggression. The HIMARS units, mounted on 6×6 FMTV truck chassis, showcased their impressive capabilities by launching seven guided rockets with precision strikes on targets positioned between 70 and 94 kilometers away.

The military drill, codenamed “Thunder,” specifically simulated a counterattack scenario against a Chinese amphibious landing attempt. This realistic exercise demonstrates Taiwan’s shifting defense strategy, focusing on mobile, rapid-response systems capable of precise strikes against invading forces. The first batch of 11 HIMARS units arrived in Taiwan in November 2024, representing a major upgrade to the island nation’s artillery capabilities.

Domestic and American Weapons Systems on Display

Taiwan’s military exercise featured not only the American-made HIMARS but also the domestically produced Thunderbolt-2000 (RT-2000) multiple rocket launcher system. This impressive display of firepower included over 2,000 projectiles fired from the RT-2000, a high-mobility truck-mounted system capable of launching 117mm, 180mm, and 230mm rockets. The combined demonstration emphasized Taiwan’s ability to deliver rapid area denial fire that could effectively counter landing operations by hostile forces.

“We believe this exercise provides an opportunity to enhance our troubleshooting capabilities, allowing us to better demonstrate realistic combat readiness in the event of war,” said Colonel Ho Chih-chung.  

During the exercise, Taiwan’s military personnel worked alongside American technical experts who provided assistance with a “signal error” issue that arose during operations. This collaboration highlights the continued military partnership between Taiwan and the United States, despite America’s formal diplomatic shift to recognize Beijing in 1979. The presence of US technical personnel underscores America’s commitment to ensuring Taiwan maintains effective defensive capabilities against potential Chinese military action. 

America’s Continued Support Amid Rising Tensions

The introduction of HIMARS to Taiwan’s arsenal represents just one aspect of America’s ongoing military support for the island’s democracy. Over the past five decades, the United States has sold Taiwan billions of dollars in military equipment, including F-16 fighter jets and various naval vessels. The success of HIMARS in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in asymmetric warfare scenarios, making it a strategic acquisition for Taiwan’s defense posture. 

Taiwan’s strategic shift from acquiring Paladin M109A6 howitzers to securing more HIMARS units indicates a tactical evolution in its defensive planning. The HIMARS system, which can carry six GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS missile, provides Taiwan with greater mobility and precision strike capability. These attributes are critical for Taiwan’s defense strategy, which must account for China’s overwhelming numerical advantage in conventional forces and the geographic limitations of defending an island. 

As tensions continue to simmer across the Taiwan Strait, with China repeatedly asserting its claim over Taiwan as part of its territory, these military exercises serve both practical and symbolic purposes. They enhance Taiwan’s actual combat readiness while simultaneously signaling to Beijing that an invasion would face significant and technologically advanced resistance. For American allies in the region, Taiwan’s successful deployment of HIMARS demonstrates the tangible benefits of continued partnership with the United States in the face of growing Chinese military assertiveness.

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