Lockheed Martin has successfully delivered its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher to the US Department of Defense (DoD).
The HIMARS solution features chassis and launcher components that were manufactured at the company’s facility in Camden, Arkansas, US.
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The delivery of HIMARS was made under a previously awarded foreign military sales contract.
Under the contract, the company is tasked with producing 12 new HIMARS launchers for an international customer.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Precision Fires vice-president Scott Greene said: "This delivery represents a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin in that we are now producing the HIMARS 5t trucks from the ground up in Camden.”
The HIMARS is a lightweight mobile launcher designed to fire guided multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) and tactical missile system (TACMS) munitions.
It comprises a launcher loader module and fire-control system mounted on a standard 5t truck chassis.
A specialised armoured cab provides additional protection to the three occupants required to operate the HIMARS system.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Camden Operations director Colin Sterling said: "Our combat-proven HIMARS launchers have been in service since 2005.
"Our launchers have consistently demonstrated a 99% operational readiness rate, and we take great pride here in Camden that we're now building the actual vehicle platforms in our ground vehicle assembly building."
Delivery of all launchers under the contract is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Besides the US Army and Marine Corps, HIMARS is also fielded internationally.
Image: The Lockheed Martin HIMARS chassis is being manufactured for the first time at the company's production centre in Camden, Arkansas. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
