US delivers first batch of long-range ATACMS missiles to Taiwan

The United States has delivered the first batch of ATACMS tactical missiles to Taiwan, but the exact number is still unknown.

Here's What We Know

The new HIMARS with ATACMS missiles will be included in the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps, stationed in Taichung.

The range of the ATACMS will enable Taiwan's military to effectively counter the potential threat of invasion from communist China, as the missiles are capable of hitting targets in China.

In October 2020, the US Department of State approved the supply of 11 M142 HIMARS missile systems along with 64 M57 ATACMS tactical missiles to the Republic of China (Taiwan). The deal also included the supply of related equipment and services, and the total value of this order was estimated at $436 million.

And in May 2023, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defence announced an additional purchase of 18 HIMARS systems, as it faced difficulties in acquiring the US 155 mm M-109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers.

This brings the total number of HIMARS ordered to 29 units, and the number of ATACMS to 84 units. In addition, the purchase of 864 rocket launchers is envisaged.

The delivery of the first batch of HIMARS to the Army of the Republic of China was scheduled for 2024, and the second batch for 2026. In October, Taiwan confirmed the delivery of the first batch of 11 HIMARS systems purchased from the United States.

Source: CNA