Taiwan launches HIMARS rockets toward China in live‑fire drill

On the second day of a two‑day exercise, Taiwan’s army fired practice rockets from the US‑supplied HIMARS system into the Taiwan Strait, aiming toward mainland China. The rockets were limited‑range training rounds that fell into the water, marking the first time HIMARS munitions were used in this manner.

The drill simulated repelling a possible Chinese amphibious invasion and included 155‑mm howitzers. Taiwanese officials said the training reflects the “current hostile threat” and pledged to continue HIMARS training to protect the island.

The United States announced in December a sale of 82 additional HIMARS launchers to Taiwan, but the deal was reportedly put on hold after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and regularly sends aircraft and warships near the island.