The US Department of State has approved the possible FMS of 16 M142 HIMARSs to Norway. (US 3rd Marine Division)
The US Department of State has approved the possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARSs) and related equipment worth up to USD580 million to Norway, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in a press release on 9 August.
Norway's government has requested 16 HIMARSs, 15 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) pods with the Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS), 15 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) high-explosive pods with IMPS, and 100 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods. It has also requested Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR) pods, interactive electronic technical manuals, integration support services, spare parts, toolkits, test equipment, contractor logistics support, training and related equipment, technical assistance, technical publications, transportation, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The proposed FMS will support US foreign policy goals and national security objectives by improving NATO ally Norway's security, according to the DSCA. The agency added that the proposed sale would improve Norwegian capabilities to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with US and other allied forces. The DSCA noted that HIMARS would enhance Norway's artillery and mid-range fire capability.
For more information on Norway's military modernisation plans, please see Analysis: Norway to increase defence spending under new long-term plan .
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