The Australian Army recently received the first two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), part of the acquisition of a total of 42 MRLS from the United States. This program aims to enhance the force’s fire support and long-range strike capabilities. The first units were received yesterday by local authorities, two years after the purchase agreement was finalized, and were transported to the country via Royal Australian Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.
As described, the Australian government is working to strengthen the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force under the publicly known Defence Strategic Review program, which led to the decision to acquire new HIMARS artillery systems to reinforce the Army’s fire support and long-range strike capabilities.
These efforts began to materialize in 2022 when the U.S. Department of State authorized the sale of an initial batch of 20 M142 HIMARS launchers, along with ammunition and support packages. Later, in 2023, Australian authorities placed an additional order for 22 MRLS from the U.S., which was approved for approximately USD 975 million, bringing the total order to 42 launchers.
With an investment reaching 1.6 billion Australian dollars (USD 1 billion), the M142 HIMARS launchers will be equipped with GMLRS-AW guided rockets and the new PrSM ballistic missiles (which will replace the U.S. Army’s current ATACMS), providing the system with high-precision and highly lethal firepower with ranges exceeding 500 kilometers. According to official statements, the systems will be operated by the newly established 10th Artillery Brigade, based in Adelaide.
Additionally, and significantly, the Australian government secured a contract with Lockheed Martin to begin local production of GMLRS guided rockets. The country is expected to participate in the manufacturing of guided munitions and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Launch Containers. To facilitate this, a team of engineers from the Australian branch of the multinational company will train in the United States in guided weapon production, serving as a preparatory step before commencing work domestically.
In this context, the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, stated: “Equally crucial will be the munitions and support systems backing the HIMARS, which is why we will begin producing GMLRS missiles in Australia this year. This will strengthen our domestic supply chains under our control and create local jobs.”
Finally, with the first units arriving according to schedule, the deployment of the new systems is expected to take place between 2026 and 2027. This will not only mark a significant advancement in the Australian Army’s capabilities but also enhance interoperability with U.S. armed forces and foster a local defense industry.
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