TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan sent soldiers to train in the US with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, it was reported Thursday (Oct. 31).
Based on social media shared by Critz Hall, Fort Sill, at least 17 soldiers from Taiwan completed a three-week HIMARS training course at the army base in August, per CNA.
In addition to the Taiwanese soldiers, members of the Estonian and Romanian armed forces were also in the same graduating class.
The Ministry of National Defense budget for this year had plans to send up to 30 personnel to the US for training.
News that Taiwan’s armed forces have been trained to operate the HIMARS systems follows reports that Taiwan has agreed to purchase 18 additional HIMARS systems. This is in addition to the previously agreed upon 11 missile systems.
Earlier this week, the defense ministry said delivery is on track, with the first 11 systems expected sometime next year, and the subsequent 18 expected to arrive in 2026.