The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Australia of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment for the approximate cost of $705 million.
The Australian Government has requested to buy 48 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). The following non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items will also be included: M1084A2 HIMARS resupply vehicles; M1095 trailers; Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR) pods; intercom systems; radio and communication mounts; spare parts and services; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
It is hoped the proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, and will enhance interoperability with US forces and other allied forces. Australia will use the capability to strengthen its homeland defence and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin, located in Grand Prairie, Texas, US; L3Harris Corporation, located in Melbourne, Florida, US; Leonardo DRS, located in Arlington, Virgina (VA), US; and Oshkosh Corporation, located in Stafford, VA, US.
As a part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS 2025), in late July, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) launched a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from an Australian Army HIMARS in the Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory (NT). Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George and Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, were there to witness.
TS 2025 also saw the Australian Army HIMARS vehicles fire GMLRS missiles on Australian soil for the first time, after their delivery in March 2025. Two of the initial 42 HIMARS vehicles were delivered at the start of the year and were on display at the Avalon Air Show in Victoria.