Taiwan Tests U.S.-Supplied Rocket System in Strait Drill
Taiwan's military fired reduced-range rockets from mobile launchers into the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The exercise marked the first use of the U.S.-supplied HIMARS system in waters separating the island from China.
winnipegfreepress.comTaiwan's military launched rockets from truck-mounted mobile systems into the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The live-fire drill tested how the island might respond to an attack using "shoot-and-scoot" tactics. The U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, fired reduced-range training rockets that landed in the water shortly after launch.
The exercise took place on the second day of drills along Taiwan's west coast.
After receiving orders, the launcher moved into position and fired within three minutes before relocating. The military said the system demonstrated rapid deployment and precision-strike capabilities. Army Sgt. Wang Ming-hui stated that training with the system would continue due to current threats. The drills also included 155mm howitzers and simulated a response to an invasion.
considers Taiwan a renegade province that must come under its control. It regularly sends military aircraft and vessels near the island. The United States does not recognize Taiwan as a country but opposes any forcible change to its status and remains its main arms supplier.
Plans announced in December to sell 82 additional HIMARS units appear to have been placed on hold following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.
