Lockheed Martin, in cooperation with the US Army and Australian Government, has successfully delivered an initial shipment of high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) to Australia.
The Australian Government has committed to the acquisition of 42 HIMARS launchers. These launchers will give rise to the priority articulated in the 2024 National Defence Strategy to drive the transformation of the Australian Army and bolster its long-range land-based strike capabilities.
In parallel, the arrival of HIMARS supports the objectives outlined in the 2024 Guided Weapons and Explosives Ordnance Plan to rapidly deliver missile manufacturing in Australia and accelerate the acquisition of long-range strike capabilities over the next decade.
HIMARS is a highly mobile, combat-proven system that fires a family of precision munitions at ranges of 70 to more than 400 kilometres. Transportable by C-130 Hercules and C-17 aircraft, it is rapidly deployable and interoperable with a long-list of regional allies, including the United States.
Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of tactical missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, acknowledged the excellent cooperation between Lockheed Martin and the US and Australian Governments to deliver the HIMARS ahead of schedule.
“The Lockheed Martin team is honoured to deliver the first HIMARS to the Australian Defence Force,” said Hartley. “The delivery of our world-class and proven capability, well ahead of schedule, represents our commitment to accelerating the acquisition of long-range strike in Australia.”
“I would like to thank the government and defence for putting their trust in Lockheed Martin to deliver this important capability,” said Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand CEO Warren McDonald. “In response, we delivered ahead of schedule and commit to supporting the soldiers who will use HIMARS to protect Australia’s interests”.
Lockheed Martin Australia is now looking at associated options to provide sovereign, in-country support, maintenance and sustainment of the Australian HIMARS fleet that will provide technical and logistical support and sustainment services and provide opportunities for small-to-medium enterprises and stimulate local employment and economic benefits.
