In another step aimed at strengthening the artillery capabilities of a NATO ally, the United States government authorized the sale of new High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and ATACMS ballistic missiles to equip the Swedish Army. This stems from one of the latest notifications submitted by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress in order to approve the transaction under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, valued at US$930 million.
As seen in several NATO countries, particularly in Northern Europe, these nations are advancing the modernization of their long-range strike and fire support capabilities through the adoption of new platforms.
In Sweden’s particular case, the Scandinavian country’s army currently fields the Archer artillery system as its main gun artillery platform. The system is based on the Volvo A30D truck chassis and is locally designated Artillerisystem 08. In fact, a recent order for additional systems has also been reported.
However, and as a notable capability gap, the land force lacks a rocket artillery system—and potentially missile capabilities—that would allow it to conduct precision strikes, fire support, saturation attacks, and counter-battery missions at longer ranges.
For this reason, and as reflected in the authorization, the Swedish government requested from the United States the purchase of up to twenty (20) new M142 HIMARS high mobility artillery systems, along with the corresponding package of guided munitions.
According to information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on March 10, the proposed sales package includes, in addition to the rocket launchers, the provision of extended-range GMLRS guided rockets and M57 ATACMS ballistic missiles. The operation’s primary contractor is Lockheed Martin and is valued at the aforementioned US$930 million.
The Department of State indicated that: “The proposed sale will improve Sweden’s capability to meet current and future threats while enhancing its interoperability with U.S. forces and other allies. It will also increase Sweden’s artillery and medium-range fires capabilities. Sweden will have no difficulty integrating these articles and services into its armed forces.”
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