Lithuanian military begins to master HIMARS in Germany
20 December, 2024 American HIMARS during exercises in Estonia. Photo from open sources. Future operators of the Lithuanian M142 HIMARS rocket systems are being trained in Germany.
The press service of the Lithuanian Armed Forces reported on this. From December 15 to 21, the soldiers of the Lithuanian Land Forces are being trained at the Grafenwoehr military base in Germany. The aim of the training is to provide theoretical knowledge and develop the ability of Lithuanian soldiers to independently and effectively use M142 rocket systems.
In particular, the future crew members of the Lithuanian HIMARS rocket system, fire control center specialists, ammunition specialists and junior commanders are being trained.
Lithuanian soldiers undergo training with the HIMARS system, December 2024. Photo credits: Lithuanian Army
Special attention is paid to the soldiers' readiness for self-service and effective operation of HIMARS systems. The soldiers are trained to perform maintenance and inspection of the systems, perform firing missions, drive vehicles day and night, refit missiles, prepare them for firing, and perform other procedures.
Lithuanian soldiers undergo training with the HIMARS system, December 2024.
Photo credits: Lithuanian Army
The exercise was organized in cooperation with the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, the United States Army. "By conducting joint exercises, we strive to ensure that the readiness of our military meets the highest NATO standards. Joint exercises with our allies are not only about providing or consolidating practical skills, but also an opportunity to deepen cooperation and improve the performance of joint tasks," said Major Justinas Cekanauskas, commander of the Lithuanian Army MLRS battery.
Lithuanian HIMARS rocket systems
Lithuania purchased 8 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launchers from the United States along with ammunition, which includes ATACMS ballistic missiles, in December 2022.
The Government of Lithuania has requested to buy 36 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Missile Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS); 36 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary High Explosive (HE) Missile Pods. As well as 72 XM403 Extended Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Missile Pods with IMPS and XM404 Extended Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) Unitary Pods with IMPS with a range of up to 150 km.
M142 HIMARS and ATACMS missiles.
Photo credits: Mariusz Burcz
Also, 18 M57 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles were purchased.
The first deliveries of Lithuanian HIMARS rocket systems are scheduled for 2025.