TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has reportedly received the first batch of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) purchased from the US. 

Taiwan purchased 29 HIMARS from the US to bolster its long-range rocket force. Without revealing the quantity, a military official confirmed with CNA Monday (Nov. 4) that the first batch arrived in Taiwan in October and the Army's 58th Artillery Command is currently undergoing training on operating the weapons.

Taiwan originally purchased 11 units of the multi-launch rocket system from the US. However, after the Army decided not to proceed with an additional purchase of 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, it increased the HIMARS order by 18 units. 

The first batch of 11 was originally slated to be delivered between late 2024 and early 2025. The remaining sets are to be sent to Taiwan by 2026. 

According to details of the US arms sale to Taiwan, this package also includes 64 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), with a range of up to 300 km and guidance capabilities.

The Ministry of National Defense said in its 2023 national defense report that after the first batch of 11 units are received, they will be deployed in western Taiwan. According to the acquisition timeline, one multiple-launch rocket battalion will be added to each operational area in the north, central, south, and Penghu.

The 2024 defense budget includes plans to send 30 military personnel to the US for HIMARS training from February to October 2024. In August, at least 17 soldiers completed three weeks of training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.