HIMARS

Taiwan conducted drills using a U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket system, firing into the Taiwan Strait. This marked the first time the system has been used in that region.

Taiwan's military fired rockets into the Taiwan Strait using a U.S.-supplied HIMARS mobile launcher during a drill, marking the first such exercise in the region. The drills simulated a response to a Chinese invasion and tested rapid deployment and precision-strike capabilities. China views Taiwan as a renegade province, and the U.S. has delayed an arms deal to supply additional HIMARS systems to Taiwan.

Russia struck targets near the Chernobyl nuclear site and 13 civilian facilities in Ukraine after Kyiv launched a large-scale drone attack. Ukraine reported casualties and infrastructure damage, while Russia claimed to have destroyed 500 drones. Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Russia, and Putin rejected peace talks.

The US military will deploy Typhon midrange missile launchers and Himars rocket systems to southwestern Japan next month for joint exercises with Japan's Self-Defence Forces. The deployment to Kanoya Airbase in Kagoshima prefecture during June-September joint exercises is intended to deter China amid regional tensions.

The US Marines tested a mobile rocket system near Mount Fuji in Japan, firing a dozen rockets from a HIMARS launcher. This drill highlights the importance of the weapon system to the US military. The test demonstrates the 'shoot and scoot' capability of the system.