US Delivers Australia’s First HIMARS

The Australian Defence Force has accepted its first M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) as part of a foreign military sale with the US.

The handover is part of Canberra’s national defense strategy to bolster the military’s long-range strike capabilities against current and future threats.

Investment in the HIMARS totals 1.6 billion Australian dollars ($1 billion) and includes orders for up to 42 units.

To complement the incoming air defense systems, the Australian government will inaugurate the domestic production of missiles for the HIMARS later this year.

Such missiles include the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), with a range of over 70 kilometers (44 miles), and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which can strike up to 499 kilometers (310 miles) away.

‘Ten-Fold’ Range

According to defense industry minister Pat Conroy, the entirety of Australia’s HIMARS program will enable “accurate firepower” and a “more than ten-fold increase” in striking range.

“This delivers on our commitment to accelerate the acquisition of HIMARS, which are now on track to be fully operational four years ahead of the schedule of the former Morrison-Dutton Government,” the minister said.

“Equally crucial will be the munitions and support systems that sit behind HIMARS – and that’s why we’re manufacturing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles in Australia this year, to reinforce robust domestic supply chains that we control and create local jobs.”

HIMARS Brigade Launched

During the milestone’s announcement, Canberra highlighted the establishment of the Australian Army’s 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide under which the incoming HIMARS fleet will be supervised.

The infantry command, tracing its roots from the First to Second World War, was planned to be reinstated in 2023 to manage some of the defense force’s artillery, including the HIMARS and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).

“These changes to the Army are about responding to the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review to maintain peace, security and prosperity in our region,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles explained during the 10th Fires Brigade’s planning in 2023.

“Our Army has always played a vital role in the defence of our nation and will continue to do so as it adapts to the challenges of our times. These changes involve some hard decisions. But these decisions are necessary to build the Army Australia needs.