U.S. Delivers New Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Systems to the Republic of China Armed Forces

The United States has delivered a new batch of Harpoon anti-ship missile systems to the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces, marking another step in Washington’s ongoing effort to strengthen Taiwan’s coastal defense and deterrence capabilities amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Defense officials in Taipei confirmed the arrival of the systems this week, describing the transfer as part of a previously approved arms package aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s ability to counter amphibious and naval threats. The delivery includes mobile Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS), launch vehicles, radar support equipment, and associated training components.
The Harpoon missile, a long-established U.S.-made weapon, is designed to strike surface vessels at long range with high precision. Its deployment provides Taiwan with a flexible, survivable option to defend its coastline and maritime approaches in the event of conflict.
Strengthening Asymmetric Defense
Taiwan’s military has increasingly focused on so-called “asymmetric warfare” strategies — relying on mobile, hard-to-detect systems that can target larger adversary forces. The Harpoon system fits squarely into this approach, as it can be mounted on trucks and rapidly relocated, making it more difficult to neutralize in a first strike.
Military analysts say the delivery sends a clear signal of continued U.S. support for Taiwan’s self-defense, even as Washington maintains its long-standing “One China” policy and strategic ambiguity over whether it would directly intervene in a conflict.
“These systems are defensive in nature,” said a senior Taiwanese defense official. “They are intended to deter aggression by increasing the cost of any attempt to blockade or invade Taiwan.”
The new Harpoon batteries will be integrated with Taiwan’s existing radar and command networks, allowing them to track and engage targets across wide areas of surrounding waters.
A Sensitive Diplomatic Moment
The delivery is likely to draw criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes all foreign arms sales to the island. Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that U.S. military support undermines regional stability and violates China’s sovereignty.
In previous statements, China has responded to similar transfers with military exercises near Taiwan and diplomatic protests against Washington. Observers expect renewed objections following confirmation of the Harpoon delivery.
The U.S. government has defended the move as consistent with its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits Washington to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense said the transfer “supports Taiwan’s ability to deter and defend against potential maritime threats.”
Operational Impact
The Harpoon Coastal Defense System allows Taiwan to target ships far from its shoreline, complicating any naval operation aimed at encircling or isolating the island. With ranges exceeding 120 kilometers, the missiles can threaten vessels operating in key sea lanes and choke points.
Defense planners say the system is particularly suited to countering amphibious assault ships and surface combatants that would be essential in any large-scale cross-strait operation.
Taiwan has already fielded indigenous anti-ship missiles, such as the Hsiung Feng series, but the Harpoon adds diversity and redundancy to its arsenal. This reduces reliance on a single weapons platform and strengthens overall resilience.
Training and Readiness
Along with the hardware, U.S. personnel are expected to provide technical assistance and training to Taiwanese forces to ensure effective deployment and maintenance of the system. Exercises over the coming months will test integration with air and naval surveillance assets.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the new systems would be deployed in undisclosed locations and that details of their operational status would remain classified for security reasons.
Broader Regional Context
The delivery comes amid heightened military activity in the Taiwan Strait, including frequent Chinese air and naval patrols near the island and expanded U.S. naval operations in the region. Allies such as Japan and the Philippines have also increased their focus on maritime security in response to changing strategic conditions.
Experts note that arms transfers alone cannot guarantee stability but can influence calculations on all sides.
“Deterrence is about credibility and capability,” said a regional security analyst. “The Harpoon systems contribute to both, by making any hostile action more costly and uncertain.”
Looking Ahead
While the Harpoon delivery represents a significant upgrade for Taiwan’s coastal defense, officials in Taipei stress that it is only one part of a broader modernization effort that includes air defense systems, naval upgrades, and cyber capabilities.
As cross-strait relations remain strained, the arrival of the new missile systems underscores the deepening security cooperation between Washington and Taipei — and highlights the delicate balance between deterrence and diplomacy in one of the world’s most sensitive flashpoints.