US tests Harpoon missile systems for Taiwan

The US Navy and Boeing Co have successfully conducted tests of the land-based Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS) intended for Taiwan. Footage from the tests shows the system striking a target vessel at sea during a recent trial at a naval range in California.

Taiwan is procuring 100 Harpoon systems, which include 400 missiles, 100 launch vehicles, and 25 radar vehicles. The procurement, budgeted at over NT$90.2 billion (US$2.85 billion), is part of a long-term program to establish a dense network of anti-ship defenses. The specific models being acquired are the upgraded RGM-84L-4 Block II (U), which feature enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures, GPS guidance, and active radar guidance.

Pentagon officials have stated that Taiwan holds “top priority worldwide” for the delivery of these missile systems. While the full delivery of all 100 systems is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, several components, including launch vehicles, command-and-control vehicles, and radar vehicles, have already arrived in Taiwan. The Taiwan Navy's Littoral Combat Command is currently conducting equipment acceptance and simulated strike training.