The U.S. Army has significantly increased its investment in modernizing its precision strike arsenal by placing a robust $1.9 billion order with Lockheed Martin for the production of additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
The recent order, building upon a preceding $861.3 million contract, solidifies the Army’s commitment to augmenting its long-range artillery capabilities, underscoring the pivotal role of HIMARS in the contemporary and future battlefield.
The HIMARS platform is renowned for its versatility and lethality. It is capable of launching a suite of munitions, including the future Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), the current MLRS rockets, and the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
This array of munitions enables the HIMARS to effectively engage a variety of targets, providing the Army with an invaluable tool for precision strikes.
PrSM, set to replace older munitions, is notably equipped with a multimode seeker capable of homing in on radar and radio emissions, augmenting its stealth.
Enhanced by imaging infrared sensors, GPS, and inertial measurement units, this smart munition promises to deliver unprecedented precision to Army and Marine Corps field artillery units. Its capability extends to striking targets ranging from 43 to 250 miles, addressing area and point targets, as well as moving, hardened, and time-sensitive threats.
The Army’s strategic move to procure more HIMARS aligns with recent international dynamics. Notably, Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has illustrated the effectiveness of HIMARS in disrupting enemy operations.
Reports have emerged that Ukrainian forces used HIMARS to strike a Russian air defense battery. It is also worth noting that the ATACMS missile, which can be fired from HIMARS, has a reach of up to 190 miles, and Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring it for their defense efforts.
The Army’s order for HIMARS is set to be fulfilled by May 2028, as per the revised contract completion date. The HIMARS system, being highly mobile, allows for the effective engagement and defeat of diverse targets, ranging from enemy armored vehicles to air defenses.
The U.S. Army’s bolstering of its HIMARS inventory not only reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a technological edge but may also provide a strategic advantage to its allies.
With the establishment of a HIMARS sustainment center in Romania, the ripple effects of this expansion are poised to enhance collective security in Europe, extending benefits beyond the confines of U.S. borders.
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Relevant articles:
– rocket launcher smart munitions artillery , Military & Aerospace Electronics, 06/06/2024
– US Army Increases HIMARS Order From Lockheed to $1.9B, The Defense Post, 06/04/2024
– Lockheed to Produce Additional HIMARS Launchers Under $1.9B Army Contract Modification, GovCon Wire, 06/04/2024
– US doubles down on HIMARS order worth an additional $2bn, Army Technology, 06/04/2024