DEFENSE/First 5 U.S.-made Harpoon missile launcher vehicles arrive in Taiwan

Taipei, June 28 (CNA) The first five land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher vehicles, along with a radar truck, have arrived in Taiwan from the United States, a source familiar with the matter told CNA Saturday.

The source said a training program for Navy officers on receiving and installing the weapons has begun, but did not confirm the exact arrival date.

The five Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher vehicles are part of an arms deal announced in 2020 by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The package, valued at US$2.37 billion, 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.

Delivery of the missile systems sold under the 2020 deal is scheduled to be completed by 2028.

The source said the first batch of HCDSs is expected to arrive in the country by the end of this year.

In response to the HCDS purchase from the U.S. and Taiwan's push to develop indigenous missiles, the Navy has begun building anti-ship missile bases in Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Taitung to house and install the systems.

The Navy plans to establish the Littoral Combatant Command next year to bring together units like the Naval Maritime Surveillance & Reconnaissance Command. The new command will integrate maritime surveillance, strike, communication and coastal mobile units to strengthen coastal defense and deter adversaries.

The government-run Youth Daily News reported Saturday that Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua (唐華) said at a military affairs conference Friday that the Navy is focused on building new forces and upgrading equipment technologies.

He also emphasized establishing common combat strategies to improve battlefield information transparency and real-time command and control.

According to the newspaper, Tang added that the Navy is reviewing its logistics, maintenance and mobilization systems, promoting cooperation with the civilian sector and developing alternative solutions and disposal mechanisms to enhance combat capabilities.