The Australian Defence Force has received the first two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the US.
The systems arrived at Avalon Airport via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III.
The HIMARS is designed to provide the firepower of a multiple-launch rocket system on a wheeled chassis.
This follows the Albanese Government’s A$1.6bn ($1.01bn) investment to accelerate HIMARS acquisition.
Included in the acquisition are guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS) with a range exceeding 70km and the precision strike missile capable of reaching beyond 500km.
The HIMARS, employing these munitions, will offer the Australian Defence Force increased lethality and precise firepower at extended ranges.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The Albanese Government has delivered on its promise to rapidly acquire long-range strike capability for the Australian Defence Force.
“We are making record investments to ensure the Australian Defence Force has the capability it needs, when it needs it to keep Australians safe while also supporting a future made in Australia. This is a proud moment for our Army, and for Australia.”
Australia is set to receive a total of 42 HIMARS, with the full suite scheduled to arrive by the end of 2028.
The units will be primarily stationed at the 10 Brigade, 14 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Edinburgh, South Australia.
Currently, 15 gunners from the Army’s first HIMARS battery are undergoing training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, US.
Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said: “HIMARS is a world leading capability, delivering accurate firepower at long ranges, resulting in a more than ten-fold increase in Army’s striking range. This is about equipping our ADF right now with state-of-the-art capabilities that enables it to operate effectively on land, sea and in the air to deter aggression and safeguard Australians.
“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.”
The US State Department’s approval of a possible foreign military sale to Australia in August 2023, valued at $975m, includes up to 22 M142 HIMARS and 60 M30A1 GMLRS, alternative warhead pods, among other equipment.
