The US State Department has approved a foreign military sale to Croatia involving eight M142 HIMARS and associated equipment and support services, valued at $390m (Hrk2.6bn).
This acquisition is set to enhance Croatia’s defence readiness and promote interoperability within Nato forces.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of this proposed sale.
The Croatian government’s acquisition includes a package: eight HIMARS launchers, 24 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) pods with Alternative Warhead (AW) and Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS), 24 M31A2 GMLRS-Unitary High Explosive (HE) pods, and ten High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) equipped with Next Generation SECM and Command and Control Communications Shelters.
The deal also encompasses 36 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR), low-cost reduced range practice rockets, communication systems including AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-158, and AN/PRC-160 radios, as well as Common Fire Control Systems (CFCS) and International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (IFATDS).
This acquisition is expected to bolster Croatia’s ability to support coalition operations and enhance interoperability with US and Nato forces.
Ukraine’s deployment of HIMARS emphasises the system’s role in countering Russian aggression and reinforcing its long-range firepower amidst intense artillery exchanges. Norway has recently secured a $580m deal for 16 HIMARS systems.
Lockheed Martin, the principal contractor for the HIMARS systems, will manage the sale from its Grand Prairie, TX, facility. No offset agreements are associated with this sale, streamlining the transaction and deployment process. The sale’s implementation will involve deploying four US Government and four contractor representatives to Croatia for biannual programme management reviews, including equipment fielding and training support.
The HIMARS system delivers artillery support. For Croatia, integrating HIMARS into its armed forces represents a step forward in its capability to conduct long-range precision strikes, boosting its national defence.
The approval marks another step in Croatia’s ongoing modernisation efforts within its military forces. As a Nato member, Croatia continues to invest in systems that enhance its ability to contribute to collective security in Europe.
Croatia’s acquisition of eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, approved by the US State Department on January 26, 2024, will also enhance its military capabilities. This latest deal follows Croatia’s previous procurement of four Black Hawks.
The final cost and quantity of the sale will depend on Croatia’s finalised requirements, budget authority, and the terms of the signed sales agreements. However, this approval signals a commitment from both the US and Croatia to further solidify their defence partnership.
