TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The first batch of TOW 2B anti-tank missiles have passed their mandatory US Army tests, Taiwan’s military said on Wednesday (Oct. 30).

The military spent over NT$11.81 billion (US$369.41 million) to purchase 1,700 TOW 2B missiles, 100 Improved Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS), and new Humvees. Four hundred and sixty missiles have already been produced while the remaining 1,240 units are still in production, Liberty Times reported. All missiles will be delivered to Taiwan by the end of the year.

This year, the newly acquired Humvees were unveiled during July’s Han Kuang 40 exercise and were part of the Army's Tienma drills in August. Units fired TOW-2A missiles from mobile TOW-2B launchers during the day and night to test the weapons’ thermal imaging and targeting capabilities.

Taiwan currently operates the TOW-2A variant, which employs a “direct-attack” mode. It has a maximum range of 3,750 meters and can penetrate armor 102.5 cm thick. It can be launched from vehicles or helicopters.

The TOW-2B type has a “top attack” mode and features more advanced wireless guidance. Its range can exceed 4,500 meters and is primarily used to attack armored vehicles, and bunkers, or destroy invading landing ships in anti-landing operations.