Taiwan’s defense strategy, the first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems ordered from the United States has reportedly arrived in Kaohsiung. This development, which underscores Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its coastal defense, comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and growing concerns over China’s military ambitions in the region.
The equipment was unloaded at Kaohsiung Port on September 27, according to local media outlet Liberty Times. However, specific details about the components included in this initial shipment remain undisclosed. The delivery marks the beginning of a multi-phase deal approved by the U.S. in 2020, which is expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s ability to defend its coastlines against potential maritime threats.
This $2.24 billion defense acquisition deal includes the provision of 400 RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II missiles, four maneuverable versions of the missile, 100 transporter-launcher units, and 25 radar trucks. The first phase of deliveries is scheduled to conclude by 2026, with 128 missiles delivered to Taiwan, while the second and final phase will see the remainder shipped by 2028.
Taiwan’s Defense Strategy
For Taiwan, which has faced numerous delays in receiving U.S. arms shipments, this first Harpoon delivery represents a significant step forward in its efforts to modernize and bolster its defense capabilities. Taiwan has been actively negotiating with the United States to expedite the delivery of defense equipment, especially given the growing military threat posed by China.
In 2023, Taiwan and U.S. officials discussed accelerating the timeline for these shipments, with the goal of securing the majority of the Harpoon missile systems within the next three years. At the time, Taiwan had hoped the U.S. would redirect some Harpoon missiles initially intended for Saudi Arabia to Taiwan, given the island’s more immediate defense needs. Saudi Arabia, which had placed its order before Taiwan, had previously been first in line for the missiles. However, it remains unclear whether Taiwan has been granted priority over Saudi Arabia for these deliveries.
This push to speed up the arms shipments is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to enhance its defense in the face of China’s expanding naval power and increasing military presence in the Taiwan Strait. Over the last few years, China’s naval forces have grown both in size and sophistication, prompting Taiwan to strengthen its coastal defenses with both indigenous and foreign defense technologies.
In anticipation of these new defense systems, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has announced plans to establish a Coastal Defense Command by 2026. This new command center will manage the operation of the Harpoon missile systems, working alongside Taiwan’s existing Hsiung Feng missile program. The Coastal Defense Command will oversee the construction of multiple strategic bases that will house both the Harpoon and Hsiung Feng missiles, ensuring that Taiwan has a comprehensive, layered defense against any maritime threats.
Several new bases will be constructed across Taiwan to accommodate these missile systems. Strategic locations have been identified, including Tainan’s Sinjhong District, the military port in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District, the eastern coastline of Pingtung County, and Pingtung’s Pucian Township. Additional sites in Taitung County’s Taiping Township and Huwei Township in Yunlin County will also host the missile systems.
The first base to be equipped with Harpoon missiles is in Tainan, with construction expected to be completed by August 2027. This location will serve as a key defense hub for southern Taiwan, where potential threats from the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait could arise.
Harpoon Block II Missile
The Harpoon missile, developed by Boeing, has long been regarded as one of the most reliable anti-ship weapons available. The Harpoon Block II variant, which Taiwan is receiving, is specifically designed to enhance coastal defense by targeting a wide range of threats, including enemy coastal defenses, surface-to-air missile sites, and moored ships.
With a range of at least 124 kilometers (77 miles), the Harpoon missile can effectively strike targets across much of the Taiwan Strait. This over-the-horizon, all-weather missile has been used by numerous navies worldwide, proving its reliability in various operational conditions.
The Block II missile features several significant technological upgrades, borrowing advanced systems from other Boeing missiles, such as the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and the Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER). These technologies include a GPS receiver and enhanced flight-control systems, which allow the missile to navigate complex environments with increased precision.
One of the most important features of the Harpoon Block II is its two-way data link, which enables it to be retargeted mid-flight. This capability is especially critical in dynamic combat scenarios, where target priorities may shift rapidly. Additionally, the missile’s radar-guided system allows it to function effectively in any weather conditions—a crucial advantage in maritime operations, where visibility is often limited.
Despite its advanced features, the Harpoon missile does have some vulnerabilities. Its radar emissions can be detected by adversaries, making it susceptible to jamming and other electronic countermeasures. Nonetheless, the Harpoon Block II remains a highly effective and cost-efficient solution for coastal defense, particularly for a country like Taiwan that faces significant maritime threats.
Taiwan’s Multi-Layered Coastal Defense
Taiwan’s acquisition of the Harpoon missile systems represents a key element in its broader strategy to build a multi-layered coastal defense network. While the island nation already operates its indigenous Hsiung Feng II and supersonic Hsiung Feng III anti-ship cruise missiles, the addition of the Harpoon systems provides an extra layer of security and capability.
The Hsiung Feng missiles have proven to be effective against a range of naval targets, but Taiwan’s domestic production capabilities may struggle to keep pace with China’s rapid naval expansion. As China continues to build larger and more advanced warships, Taiwan must enhance its defense systems to maintain a credible deterrent.
By incorporating the Harpoon missiles into its defense strategy, Taiwan can diversify its missile inventory and reduce the likelihood that an adversary will be able to counter all of its missile systems. Utilizing a combination of missile systems complicates the enemy’s efforts to defend against incoming attacks, particularly in scenarios involving electronic warfare or jamming. This strategic diversification ensures that Taiwan remains a formidable adversary in coastal combat, even in the face of potential technological countermeasures from China.
Taiwan’s acquisition of U.S. defense technology, including the Harpoon missile systems, has broader implications for regional security in the Indo-Pacific. As China continues to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea and increase military activities near Taiwan, the island’s defense strategy becomes more critical not only for its own security but also for the balance of power in the region.
The United States, under its Taiwan Relations Act, has long been committed to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself. The sale of Harpoon missile systems is part of a broader U.S. strategy to ensure Taiwan’s defense capabilities remain robust. This, in turn, serves to deter potential aggression from China, which continues to view Taiwan as a breakaway province.
However, the arrival of U.S. missile systems in Taiwan is likely to further escalate tensions between China and the United States. Beijing has repeatedly criticized U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, viewing them as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and an obstacle to reunification efforts. In response, China has increased military drills in the Taiwan Strait, sending warplanes and ships near the island in a show of force.
For Taiwan, the Harpoon missile systems are a crucial part of its defense preparations. As tensions continue to rise, the island nation is making it clear that it is committed to defending its sovereignty and maintaining a credible deterrent against any potential aggression.
The arrival of the first shipment of U.S.-made Harpoon anti-ship missile systems in Taiwan marks a pivotal moment in the island’s defense strategy. This acquisition, part of a larger defense deal, significantly enhances Taiwan’s coastal defense capabilities and strengthens its deterrence against potential maritime threats from China.
With tensions in the Taiwan Strait showing no signs of easing, Taiwan’s strategic defense upgrades are vital for ensuring its long-term security. The Harpoon missile systems, along with Taiwan’s existing missile arsenal, provide a robust defense network that is designed to counter an increasingly assertive China. As the first of many Harpoon missile systems arrive, Taiwan is signaling its readiness to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in an increasingly volatile region.
