Lockheed Martin, in cooperation with the US Army and Australian Government, has delivered an initial shipment of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Australia.
The Australian Government has committed to the acquisition of 42 HIMARS launchers. These launchers will give rise to the priority articulated in the 2024 National Defence Strategy to drive the transformation of the Australian Army and enhance their long-range land-based strike capabilities.
In parallel, the arrival of HIMARS is in line with the objectives outlined in the 2024 Guided Weapons and Explosives Ordnance Plan to 'rapidly deliver' missile manufacturing in Australia and accelerate the acquisition of long range strike over the next decade.
Paula Hartley, Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, acknowledged the 'excellent cooperation' between Lockheed Martin and the US and Australian Governments to deliver the HIMARS ahead of schedule.
“The Lockheed Martin team is honoured to deliver the first HIMARS to the ADF,” Hartley said. “The delivery of our world-class and proven capability, well ahead of schedule represents our commitment to accelerating the acquisition of long range strike in Australia.”
HIMARS is a mobile, combat-proven system that fires a family of precision munitions at ranges of 70 to more than 400 kilometres. Transportable by C-130 Hercules and C-17 aircraft, it is rapidly deployable and interoperable with a long-list of regional allies, including the United States. The platform has had strategic impact on the battlefield in Ukraine.
“I would like to thank the Government and Defence for putting their trust in Lockheed Martin to deliver this important capability. In response we delivered ahead of schedule and commit to supporting the soldiers who will use HIMARS to protect Australia’s interests," Warren McDonald, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand said.
Lockheed Martin Australia says it is now looking at associated options to provide in-country support, maintenance and sustainment of the Australian HIMARS fleet. The company says this will provide technical and logistical support and sustainment services and opportunities for SMEs.