The United States government, according to recent reports, is continuing the delivery process of the new coastal defense systems based on the Harpoon RGM-84L-4 anti-ship missiles to Taiwan’s Armed Forces. This follows reports indicating the delivery of at least five new land-based missile launch systems, accompanied by a radar system, as part of a sustained effort to strengthen the island’s defensive capabilities amid rising tensions with China.
According to the local outlet Central News Agency (CNA), this latest transfer is part of the sale announced by Washington in 2020, which includes the supply of 100 Harpoon coastal defense systems along with 400 RGM-84L-4 Block II missiles—the land-launched version of the anti-ship missile—at an estimated total cost of USD 2.37 billion. At the time, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasized that the Harpoon land-based system, “highly reliable and effective,” would help Taiwan counter or deter maritime aggression, coastal blockades, and amphibious assaults.
As the program progressed, in October 2024 the U.S. carried out the first significant delivery of Harpoon missiles, consisting of a total of 32 launch systems and 128 RGM-84L-4 missiles out of the 400 pledged, representing a major step forward in the delivery schedule. It’s worth noting that the Taiwanese government had previously acquired 4 RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II training missiles, as well as 411 missile containers and 100 ground transport vehicles for the Harpoon missile system.
Although official details about the deliveries have been scarce since then, the initial plan remains in place, with the first phase of deliveries expected to be completed by 2026 and a second batch projected for 2028. According to the new information, the deliveries are ongoing, suggesting that Washington remains committed to the established timeline, even amid the complex regional environment.
The acquisition comes amid increased military pressure from China, which conducts daily air and naval operations near the Taiwan Strait—maneuvers that Taipei views as sustained harassment. In this context, Taiwan and the United States maintain close defense cooperation under the Taiwan Relations Act, which obliges Washington to provide adequate defensive means to ensure the island’s security.
Finally, recalling some of the specifications of the missiles acquired by Taiwan, it is worth noting that the Harpoon RGM-84L-4 is manufactured by Boeing as an advanced development of the original Harpoon. It carries a 227-kilogram explosive warhead and can be launched at targets up to 124 kilometers away, powered by a Teledyne turbojet engine and guided by an inertial navigation system assisted by GPS. In terms of dimensions, each missile is 4.6 meters long with a wingspan of 91.4 centimeters, and weighs 690.8 kilograms.
*Photos used for illustrative purposes
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