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    Autonomous Firepower: US Army’s Unmanned HIMARS Launcher Steps Into the Future

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    U.S. Marines and soliders demonstrate lethality with HIMARS in Australia” by #PACOM is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    On a pivotal day, April 25, 2024, the U.S. Army marked a significant milestone in military technology by conducting the first test-firing of the Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher (AML), an innovative unmanned version of the M142 HIMARS rocket launcher.

    U.S. Marines fire HIMARS during exercise Dawn Blitz 2017” by #PACOM is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    This groundbreaking event unfolded at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, showcasing the AML’s exceptional capabilities and previewing the future of autonomous warfare.

    U.S. Marine Corps HIMARS conduct a fire mission during Exercise Noble Jaguar 2021” by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    The AML’s trial by fire was a display of both technological sophistication and strategic foresight. With six Reduced Range Practice Rockets successfully launched, the AML demonstrated not only its precision in firing but also its advanced mobility features, such as teleoperation, waypoint navigation, and convoy operations.

    This prototype, distinguishable from its manned counterpart by a truncated cab section, is equipped to operate both on-site and remotely, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and reducing personnel vulnerability on the battlefield.

    Raķešu artilērijas sistēmas HIMARS” by Latvijas armija is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    A pivotal factor in the AML’s design is its compatibility with existing munition pods, ensuring seamless integration with current systems like the HIMARS and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System. The Army’s vision for this autonomous launcher is bold; it recognizes the AML’s potential to disrupt adversary anti-access and aerial denial strategies and envisages a tripling of firepower capabilities. The upcoming Valiant Shield 24 exercise this summer will provide another stage for the AML to demonstrate its prowess.

    Ukrainian HIMARS in Zaporizhya oblast, early June 2022 (1)” by General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – Генеральний штаб ЗСУ is licensed under CC BY 4.0

    But the AML is not standing alone in this march toward autonomy. The U.S. Marine Corps is simultaneously developing the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary Fires (ROGUE-Fires), capable of launching Naval Strike Missiles and Tomahawks, and potentially utilizing the same munition pods as the AML. These efforts align with a broader push to advance ground-launched long-range strike capabilities across the U.S. military.

    HIMARS Šķēdē” by Latvijas armija is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    Across the Atlantic, the importance of rapid deployment and interoperability was also underscored in a joint load training exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. On May 4, U.S. Army HIMARS personnel, alongside Tunisian and U.S. Air Force counterparts, practiced loading the HIMARS onto a C-130J, a procedure requiring precision and careful calculation of vehicle weight, balance, and center of gravity. This training forms part of the broader African Lion exercise, emphasizing the value of readiness and multinational cooperation.

    HIMARS live fire [Image 1 of 2]” by DVIDSHUB is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    Back in the Pacific theater, Admiral John Aquilino of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command spotlighted the upcoming Valiant Shield exercise as a stage for testing the joint fires network. The exercise will blend various service-specific capabilities into a unified command-and-control network, essential for maintaining combat effectiveness in siloed environments.

    Main battle tank in realistic style. Hight barrel. Armored fighting military vehicle. Detailed colorful illustration isolated on white background.
    Main battle tank in realistic style. Hight barrel. Armored fighting military vehicle. Detailed colorful illustration isolated on white background.

    In this era of rapid technological advancement and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the U.S. military’s pioneering efforts in unmanned systems like the AML and its joint ventures at exercises like Valiant Shield are not just about showcasing new hardware. They symbolize a fundamental transformation in warfare — one that is autonomous, integrated, and multi-domain.

    The AML’s development and its forthcoming display at Valiant Shield 24 represent a significant leap towards the future of military operations, where autonomous systems provide a potent combination of increased firepower, reduced personnel risk, and strategic adaptability.

    Relevant articles:
    US Army to deploy unmanned HIMARS rocket launcher in Valiant Shield 24 joint exercise, Army Recognition
    U.S. Air Force, Army conduct HIMARS load training exercise with Tunisian Air Force, DVIDS
    Our First Look At The Army’s Unmanned HIMARS Launcher Truck Firing, The War Zone
    Navy Set to Test Joint Fires Network at Valiant Shield Exercise This Summer, USNI News

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