For US$705 million, the U.S. authorizes the sale of additional HIMARS rocket artillery systems to the Australian Army

The U.S. government has authorized the possible sale of an additional batch of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to the Australian Army. This information comes from one of the latest notifications issued by the U.S. Department of State to Congress for approval of the operation, which falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and is valued at US$705 million.

As of today, with the arrival of the first HIMARS systems at the end of last March, the Australian Army is in the midst of a process to renew and expand its long-range strike capabilities. Their acquisition was established within the guidelines set out in the latest Defence Strategic Review, as a result of cooperation with the United States.

In this regard, the first two MRL systems received in March are part of a previously approved U.S. package valued at US$1.6 billion, which initially includes 42 High Mobility Rocket Launchers, along with their respective GMLRS-based munitions and the provision of the new Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM)—these being the replacements for the current ATACMS in U.S. Army service.

However, as reported on September 30 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Australian government has requested the purchase of an additional batch of the HIMARS system, consisting of 48 M142 launchers. The package, with Lockheed Martin as the principal contractor, is valued at US$705 million, and also includes M1084A2 resupply vehicles, M1095 trailers, and training munitions.

If a contract with the U.S. company is finalized, Australia would effectively double its fleet of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, reaching a total of 90 units. The first HIMARS systems are being assigned to the 10th Artillery Brigade, based in Adelaide.

Finally, the Department of State stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of the United States’ most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this key political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is in the vital interest of the United States to assist this ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The statement added: “The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s ability to meet current and future threats and will increase interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. Australia will use this capability to strengthen the defense of its territory and to provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

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