Taiwan, Australia Showcase HIMARS Amid China Tensions

Taiwan has deployed advanced U.S.-made defense systems, including HIMARS rocket launchers, Patriot missile batteries, and Stinger missiles, during its largest annual Han Kuang military exercises to strengthen defenses against a potential Chinese invasion. The drills involve public displays of these systems in urban areas to simulate protection of critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, Australia conducted its first HIMARS live-fire exercise as part of the large-scale Talisman Sabre war games involving 40,000 troops from 19 nations, reflecting a wider Indo-Pacific trend of acquiring long-range U.S. artillery systems to counter China. Both Taiwan and Australia are integrating these weapons into their defense strategies, signaling increased regional military cooperation and preparedness. China has dismissed Taiwan’s drills as a bluff and reiterated its opposition to U.S.-Taiwan military cooperation. The strategic significance and proven effectiveness of these systems, as seen in Ukraine, make their deployment closely watched by regional powers.