Taiwan will receive an additional batch of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers from the US ahead of schedule, the island’s Defense Ministry said, Taiwan News reported on May 5.
Taiwan purchased the second batch of installations from the United States instead of M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers. Washington declared that it would not be able to do so in the foreseeable future due to the changing situation in the companies of the US military-industrial complex.
Therefore, in addition to the previously ordered 11 HIMARS units, Taiwan has purchased a further 18 units. They were supposed to arrive on the island in 2027-2028. However, the Taiwanese military told lawmakers that the shipment would be delivered to Taiwan in 2026, ahead of schedule.
In addition, the island’s Ministry of Defense increased the order for ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 km from 64 pieces to 84 pieces. These missiles can be launched from the HIMARS facility.
The value of the entire order doubled to around $1 billion.
Recall that the first batch of 11 HIMARS installations should be delivered to the island in 2024-2025.
With the crisis in Ukraine worsening, the Taiwanese authorities began to talk about a possible imminent Chinese attack on Taiwan. Special working groups were created to monitor the situation and warn in time about the preparation of the invasion, if it takes place. The Taiwanese military conducts exercises and implements training programs for reservists.
Taiwan ordered $19 billion worth of weapons from the United States, but there were delays in their deliveries. In part they are due to the fact that the production facilities of the American military-industrial complex changed to meet orders for the needs of Ukraine.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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