Taiwan will receive the first batch of Harpoon missiles from the United States by the end of this year. Harpoon missile delivery will provide critical combat power for the newly established Littoral Combatant Command, navy officials said.
The Littoral Combatant Command launched on January 1, 2025. Vice Admiral Chiu Chun-jung, navy Chief of Staff, confirmed the first 400 Harpoon anti-ship missiles will arrive as scheduled. He added that the LCC will begin operations in July next year.
The navy will coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to integrate the missiles. They will serve as the primary combat equipment under the LCC. Drones and uncrewed vessels will also support littoral strikes and multidomain interception. Their production has already started.
Regarding the indigenous Hai Kun submarine, Chiu admitted that the six-month testing timeline was optimistic. However, he said the navy expects to complete the test launch of training torpedoes before the US-leased torpedo verification system expires in May 2026. He also confirmed all equipment tests meet navy criteria.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo noted real-world challenges affected the original timeline. Sourcing equipment and securing technical support from manufacturers proved difficult. Koo stressed that safety and quality remain top priorities during sea acceptance tests.
Chiu explained that the submarine’s engine and power system went through a strict selection process and holds the necessary export license. CSBC Corp Chairman Chen Cheng-hung confirmed the engine comes from a reputable diesel-engine manufacturer and will submit supporting documents to the legislature.
Officials outlined penalties if the submarine cannot be delivered next month. The daily fine is NT$190,000, capped at NT$4 billion, representing 20 percent of the NT$19.3 billion construction cost. Chiu added the navy will negotiate extensions for leased torpedo verification equipment if testing cannot finish on time.
Harpoon missile delivery marks a major step in strengthening Taiwan’s naval capabilities while integrating advanced indigenous and foreign systems.
