In a powerful show of self-defence capabilities, Taiwan recently conducted its first live-firing of the U.S.-supplied HIMARS, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This move highlights Taiwan’s growing emphasis on precision strike capabilities and military preparedness, aligning with global trends in modern warfare.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) |
| Type | Lightweight, multiple rocket launcher system |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA |
| Purpose | To engage and defeat artillery, air defence systems, light armour, vehicles, and troop concentrations |
| Users | Widely deployed by the U.S., NATO allies, and recently by Taiwan and Ukraine |
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mobility Platform | Mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) |
| Launch Capability | Fires six precision-guided rockets (~70 km range) or one ATACMS missile (~300 km range) |
| Transportability | C-130 air-transportable – enables rapid deployment in remote or contested regions |
| Fire Readiness | Ready to fire in less than 20 seconds |
| Firing Time | Can discharge a full load of six rockets in under 45 seconds |
| Shoot-and-Scoot | Launches and relocates quickly to avoid enemy counter-strike |
| Crew Protection | Armoured cabin provides shielding from debris, small arms fire, and rocket plume gases |
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Tactical Advantage | Offers precision strike and high mobility in short timeframes |
| Modern Warfare Role | Plays a crucial role in long-range precision fire missions |
| Combat Proven | Extensively used by Ukraine to destroy Russian logistics and command centers |
| Mobility & Survivability | The “shoot-and-scoot” tactic ensures greater survivability on the battlefield |
| Parameter | HIMARS | Indian Counterpart (Pinaka MBRL) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wheeled rocket launcher | Truck-mounted Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher |
| Max Range | Up to 300 km (with ATACMS) | ~75–90 km (Pinaka Mk-2) |
| Launch System | C-130 air-transportable | Not air-transportable |
| Operator Crew | 3-person crew | Crew of 4–5 personnel |
Taiwan’s integration of HIMARS into its defence architecture represents a significant upgrade in its ability to conduct mobile, precise, and long-range counterattacks. In a region marked by increasing military pressure from China, HIMARS provides a credible deterrent and enhances Taiwan’s ability to protect its sovereignty.
With its battle-tested capabilities and emphasis on precision over volume, HIMARS is reshaping the modern battlefield, proving to be a force multiplier for nations facing asymmetric threats.
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