The Australian Army has taken delivery of two out of 42 HIMARS launchers procured from the United States. (Janes/Patrick Allen)
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has announced the official handover of the first two M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, to the Australian Army.
According to a statement issued by the DoD on 24 March, the HIMARS will be based at the 10th Fires Brigade of the Australian Army in Adelaide.
Citing Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy, the DoD statement noted that the HIMARS launchers are due to be fully operational four years ahead of schedule.
According to Conroy, the acquisition of HIMARS will increase the Australian Army's striking range by “more than tenfold”.
The DoD said at present two of 42 HIMARSs have been delivered to the country by the United States. Australia ordered HIMARS in two batches in 2022 and 2023.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence , the M142 HIMARS is a 227 mm (six-round) multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). The HIMARS is based on a 5 tonne family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) XM1140A1 truck chassis and contains a rocket pod for six rockets or a single canister pod for the 610 mm Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
The HIMARS can hit targets at a range of 70 km using the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM), both guided and unguided, and 300 km with the MGM-142 ATACMS. It is designed to support joint early and forced-entry expeditionary operations with high-volume destructive, suppressive, and counter-battery fires.
For more information, please seeM142 227 mm (6 round) High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) .
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...