On Monday, May 12, 2025, Taiwan conducted the first-ever live-fire test of the M142 HIMARS system during the annual “Thunder” military exercise, held at the Jiupeng military base in Pingtung County, as reported by The Liberty Times. This drill was part of a broader set of coordinated maneuvers titled “Thunder,” “Divine Eagle,” and “Divine Bow,” aimed at testing the effectiveness of precision strike systems and interoperability between the branches of Taiwan’s armed forces. Against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions with Beijing, the scenario simulated a counterattack to repel a potential amphibious landing by the Chinese navy on Taiwan’s eastern coast, reflecting the island’s intent to acquire fast, mobile, and long-range strike capabilities. The key moment of the day was marked by the inaugural firing of the HIMARS system, which launched seven guided rockets, M30 and M31, with ranges between 70 and 94 kilometers. This test demonstrated the system’s ability to engage strategic targets from a significant distance and quickly relocate to avoid enemy retaliation. The M142 HIMARS is mounted on a 6×6 FMTV truck chassis, features an armored cabin for a three-person crew, and can carry either six GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS tactical missile with a maximum range of 300 kilometers. Its digital fire control system allows for high accuracy and can be operated with a reduced crew, making it well-suited for asymmetric engagements or preemptive strikes against landing forces or radar installations. Alongside this first operational use of HIMARS, spectators witnessed a large-scale demonstration of firepower from the domestically developed Thunderbolt-2000 (RT-2000) multiple rocket launcher system, produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST).

Full exclusive : Taiwan Conducts First HIMARS Test in Amphibious Counterattack Drill as Deterrence Against China.