Taiwan Receives First Shipment of Harpoon Missile Systems

October 3, 2024

Taiwan has received its first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems from the United States, which arrived at Kaohsiung Port on September 27. This is an important step in strengthening Taiwan’s military, especially during times of regional tension.

Shipment Details

The exact details of what was delivered are not fully disclosed, but this marks the beginning of a major military upgrade for Taiwan’s defense systems.

Background

This shipment is part of a larger deal approved by the U.S. in 2020, showing the strong military cooperation between Taiwan and the United States.

Deal Components

The full deal includes:

400 RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II missiles
Four special maneuverable missile versions
100 missile launch trucks
25 radar trucks

Delivery Timeline

The delivery will happen in two phases:

Phase One: Expected to finish by 2026 with 128 missiles delivered.

Phase Two: Expected to be complete by the end of 2028.

This shipment will make Taiwan’s defenses stronger against threats from the sea and highlight the ongoing support from the U.S., which is important for maintaining security in the region.

About Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Systems

The Harpoon missile system was developed in the 1970s by McDonnell Douglas and can be launched from ships, submarines, or aircraft. It has a range of more than 60 nautical miles and uses radar to accurately hit its targets. The missile is designed to destroy warships and merchant vessels, and various versions are used by the U.S. Navy and other allied countries. These systems are installed on many naval ships, greatly improving their ability to defend against enemy ships.

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