“Land Sword II makes its live fire debut. This SAM system is capable of countering diverse aerial threats and significantly enhances force protection for #ROCArmy,” the MND wrote on X (formerly Twitter). It also shared visuals of the missile launch during the test.
Land Sword II makes its live fire debut. This SAM system is capable of countering diverse aerial threats and significantly enhances force protection for #ROCArmy.#Landswordii #SAM #ROCArmedForces pic.twitter.com/lH8rS9XJg1
— Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) ????????? (@MoNDefense) May 13, 2025
Live-fire drills of US-supplied HIMARS
The test follows the recent deployment and live-fire exercise of the Unites States-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) by the Taiwan Army.
The drill took place on May 12 at Jiupeng Base in Manjhou Township of Pintung County, and was carried out by the 58th Artillery Command, ANI reported.
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During the exercise, a total of 33 rockets were launched, with each of the 11 vehicles firing three rounds. Although the military did not disclose specific outcomes of the drill, Colonel Ho Chih-chung, deputy commander of 58th Artillery, stated that personnel from the US supplier were present to provide technical support.
HIMARS systems are capable of launching either a pod of six 227 mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missile, which has a range of up to 300 km. Taiwan has acquired 29 HIMARS unit from the US, with the first batch of 11 delivered in 2024.
An MND report submitted to the Legislative Yuan in March noted that the remaining 18 units are expected to arrive by 2026, ahead of the initially planned 2027 delivery, as per ANI.
#Himars debuts in #Taiwanshowcasing rapid deployment and next-generation strike capabilities.#ROCArmedForces pic.twitter.com/n0Uikc8jCX
— Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) ????????? (@MoNDefense) May 12, 2025
Ongoing China-Taiwan tensions
These developments come amid continued military activity by China in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s MND reported detecting 35 sorties by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight PLA Navy vessels, and two official Chinese ships operating around the island, on Wednesday, May 14, as per ANI.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), maintains a separate government and military but faces increasing diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory under the “One China” policy.
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