Taiwan has published images of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile system installed on a civilian delivery car, showing the country’s commitment to mobile, discreet and quickly deployous platforms to withstand a possible Chinese amphibious attack.
The video, shared by Taiwan’s national Defense Ministry, shows a seemingly regular van equipped with a hidden launch mechanism and a telescopic sieve mast that can be folded over the roof, making it almost impossible to distinguish from civilian traffic.
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Although the Taipei authorities have not revealed how many units are operational or whether they are part of a larger secret program, local military analysts point out that the system is ideal for coastal road operations and in urban areas, and moves hidden to the firing time.
The launch system can be set up quickly to engage gangway vessels, amphibious vehicles and other surface threats, thanks to integrated electro-optic and infrared sensors that allow independent goal discovery and goal access without external information. After the attack, the launch mechanism is withdrawn and the system returns to camouflage, making it difficult for the enemy to detect.
The initiative follows Taiwan’s defense strategy that prioritizes mobile, survival-efficient and low-signature systems to meet superior strengths, and utilize the island’s mountainous terrain and high population density.
Experts compare the platform with improvised solutions seen in recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine, where Brimstone missiles were fired from unprotected trucks to Russian forces. This type of adaptation provides high fire power at low cost and reduced vulnerability to preventive attacks.
Source and pictures: Taiwan’s National Defense Ministry (ROC). This content is made with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
