TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) presided over the launch of the HIMARS missile unit at the Army’s 58th Artillery Command on Friday.

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System procured from the US can fire six 227mm rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System. Taiwan purchased 29 HIMARS systems, with 11 already delivered last year.

Koo said the systems will improve the accuracy of Taiwan's defensive missiles and help the military deter war and maintain  peace, per CNA. 

Members of the new unit were selected from other departments of the military last year before heading to the US for training, the minister said. The officers learned how to assemble the missile systems, manage the ammunition, and use the mobile launch vehicles.

A review last month gave the new HIMARS group positive marks, Koo said. He expressed the hope that the unit would also perform well during the Han Kuang 41 exercises later this month.

The military not only learned how to use the HIMARS systems, but also how to integrate them with other weapons in a joint command structure, Koo said.