TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Wednesday that delivery of all TOW-2B anti-tank missiles previously purchased from the US will be completed before the end of the year.
The military bought 1,700 TOW missiles, 100 M1167 Humvees, and 100 M41A7 Improved Target Acquisition Systems (ITAS) in 2018, Liberty Times reported. The package was initially expected to be shipped to Taiwan by 2022 but was delayed. In October, 460 missiles were produced and passed US Army testing, while the remaining 1,240 were still in production.
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.
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.
The military already received the Humvees equipped with ITAS, which were deployed during the Han Kuang 40 and Tian Ma military exercises.
The new Humvees have enhanced armor and reinforced bulletproof windows along with a sharper and more angular exterior design. They will serve as the primary launch platform for TOW missiles.