Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Systems From US arrived in Taiwan

The first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems ordered from the United States has reportedly arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the island’s defense capabilities. The equipment was unloaded at Kaohsiung Port on September 27.

Background

This is part of a 71.02 billion new Taiwan dollar ($2.22 billion) deal in 2020 for the US to supply the island with up to 100 shore-mounted Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems and related equipment. 

Taiwan’s defense ministry also allotted an additional 15 billion new Taiwan dollars ($469 million) to construct related facilities, bringing the total package to $86.02 billion new Taiwan dollars ($2.69 billion).  

In 2023, it was reported that Taiwan and US officials had discussed focusing on expediting the arms shipment timeline, aiming to secure more than half of the Harpoon missiles within three years and the remainder by the end of 2029.

Details

• The US approved the sale of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles in total.

Inclusions

• Included in the package are 411 containers, 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units, 25 radar trucks, spare and repair parts, and logistics support, such as personnel training and training equipment, and US government and contractor technical assistance.

Delivery

• The first phase of deliveries is anticipated to be completed by 2026 and will be integrated into Taiwan’s new Littoral Combat Command planned to be established the same year.
• Meanwhile, the second and final phase is expected by 2028. 

Harpoon Missiles

• Company : The Harpoon missile, developed by Boeing, is an over-the-horizon, all-weather anti-ship weapon that has proven to be a reliable solution for coastal defense.
• Mode : The Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS) is a land-based variant of the Boeing Harpoon missile Block II, specifically designed to target a range of maritime and land-based threats, including enemy coastal defenses, surface-to-air missile sites, ports, and moored ships.
• Simulation System : According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the acquisition of the Harpoon missile systems was driven by a computer simulation study, which demonstrated the need for a substantial number of anti-ship missiles to neutralize 50 percent of an adversary’s naval targets.
• Range : The Harpoon missile system can strike stationary and moving targets from at least 124 kilometers (77 miles), which places much of the Taiwan Strait within its range.

To Complicate China’s Invasion Strategy

• This capability is critical as tensions in the region continue to escalate and China’s navy grows in size and sophistication.
• Utilizing a variety of anti-ship missiles in tandem complicates an adversary’s ability to counter incoming threats effectively. 
• In scenarios involving electronic warfare or jamming, the combination of various missile systems increases the probability that certain missiles will effectively breach enemy defenses.
• This strategic diversification ensures that Taiwan remains a formidable adversary in coastal combat and maintains a robust deterrent against potential maritime aggression.