Taiwan Rethinks US Weaponry Following Unexpectedly Poor Performance

Concerns over recent failed drills cause Taiwan to question the reliability of US anti-tank missiles.

At a Glance

Taiwan to reconsider the use of US-made anti-tank missiles after poor performance in drills.
A significant number of TOW 2A missiles failed to hit targets during exercises.
The drills aimed to prepare against a potential Chinese invasion.
The military meeting to discuss the issue is scheduled for next week.
Taiwan exploring alternative defense strategies amid rising tensions.

Reevaluation of US-made Anti-Tank Missiles

Taiwan is evaluating the continued use of US-manufactured anti-tank missiles following a series of military drills that revealed poor performance. Only seven out of 17 TOW 2A missiles hit their targets during exercises aimed at familiarizing troops with these weapons for potential defense against a Chinese invasion. Such results have raised serious concerns among Taiwanese military officials regarding the reliability of these advanced weapon systems.

The meeting to discuss the missiles’ performance is expected to be held next week. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed the evaluation, stating, “Taiwan’s military is planning a meeting to reevaluate the use of US-made anti-tank missiles after the weapons saw low accuracy during drills earlier this week.”

The poorly performing exercises were held on a beach in southern Pingtung County near the Taiwan Strait, simulating a Chinese amphibious assault. Taiwanese troops used older TOW missiles with newer launchers on M1167 Humvees, targeting floating objects during both day and night operations.

Not realistic enough.

Taiwan's military is wrapping up two days of coastal defense drills using U.S.-made TOW missiles, but many analysts say while the weapons are a step forward, the strategy is a step back. @JaimeOcon1 reports from Pingtung County. pic.twitter.com/338KW6iMdT

— TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) August 27, 2024

Effectiveness of TOW 2A Missiles Under Scrutiny

The drills revealed more than half of the TOW 2A missiles missed their targets, prompting questions about whether the issue lies with the weapon itself or the operators. The primary objective of the exercise was to help familiarize soldiers with the weapons, not necessarily to test accuracy. However, the results have raised doubts about both the effectiveness and dependability of these missiles, which Taiwan has heavily invested in by purchasing 1,700 units and 100 launchers from the US.

Given Taiwan’s challenging terrain—comprising steep mountains, mud flats, and urban areas—traditional military forces may not be as effective. The TOW missiles, highly regarded for their mobility and flexibility, allow for easier deployment along shores to slow down potential amphibious assaults. Nevertheless, the latest exercises highlighted significant performance issues, necessitating a thorough evaluation before committing further resources to these systems.

#Taiwan will receive all shipments of the TOW 2B anti-tank missiles from #USA by the end of 2024.

Used in #UkraineWar, here is why TOWs can deflate China's invasion plans.https://t.co/tRhBJWKV41

— EurAsian Times (@THEEURASIATIMES) June 19, 2024

Alternate Defense Strategies and Future Plans

The failed missile performance in recent drills underscores the necessity for Taiwan to ensure robust defense mechanisms, particularly amid increasing geopolitical tensions with China. Advocates argue that mobile systems like the TOW are highly effective in an asymmetric battle against China’s larger military force. Yet, considering the recent issues, alternatives like sea mines and domestically built submarines become more appealing. Taiwan is investing in its navy, planning to build seven additional submarines over the next 14 years to enhance its defensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, China has ramped up its military threat, frequently sending warplanes and warships near Taiwan to intimidate and degrade its defenses. In response, Taiwan has extended national military service to one year, built its own submarines, and imported advanced equipment from the U.S. Such measures have been taken to maintain Taiwan’s de-facto independence, a status supported by the majority of its citizens since it separated from mainland China in 1949.