Taipei: The first five land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher vehicles, alongside a radar truck, have arrived in Taiwan from the United States, a source familiar with the matter informed CNA on Saturday. The arrival marks a significant step in Taiwan’s defense capabilities in response to regional security challenges.

According to Focus Taiwan, a training program for Navy officers on receiving and installing the weapons has commenced, although the exact arrival date of the shipment remains unconfirmed. These missile launcher vehicles are part of an arms deal announced in 2020 by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), valued at US$2.37 billion. The deal includes 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS), up to 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II surface-launched anti-ship missiles, and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II exercise missiles. The delivery of the missile systems is scheduled for completion by 2028, with the first batch of HCDSs expected to reach Taiwan by the end of this year.

In res
ponse to the HCDS purchase and Taiwan’s efforts to develop indigenous missiles, the Navy has initiated the construction of anti-ship missile bases in Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung to accommodate and install these systems. Additionally, the Navy plans to establish the Littoral Combatant Command next year to integrate units like the Naval Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Command. This new command aims to consolidate maritime surveillance, strike, communication, and coastal mobile units to bolster coastal defense and deter adversaries.

The government-run Youth Daily News reported that Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua addressed a military affairs conference on Friday, highlighting the Navy’s focus on building new forces and upgrading equipment technologies. Admiral Tang also emphasized the importance of establishing common combat strategies to enhance battlefield information transparency and real-time command and control. Furthermore, the Navy is reviewing its logistics, maintenance, and mobili
zation systems, fostering cooperation with the civilian sector, and developing alternative solutions and disposal mechanisms to enhance combat capabilities.