The United States military has completed the first successful test-firing stage of the Harpoon Coastal Defense System manufactured under a contract for Taiwan (Republic of China). Concluded three years ago in April 2023, the $2.3 billion agreement provides for the delivery of 100 mobile launchers and 400 anti-ship missiles.
Taiwan remains the sole customer for the Harpoon HCDS configuration, which features a distinct design change. Unlike previous configurations that placed launchers on towed trailers, the units manufactured under this contract are mounted on Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck chassis to maximize mobility. As reported by the publication Naval News, the initial test firing took place with U.S. military participation, while subsequent operational use will be handled by Taiwanese missile operators. A second testing stage remains ahead before the physical delivery of the hardware to the customer.
Current planning indicates that if all procurement and manufacturing schedules are fulfilled, Taiwan aims to possess up to 1,900 anti-ship missiles by 2029. This total encompasses both the incoming American Harpoon deliveries and production of local anti-ship missile systems.
