Almost $2 billion has been additionally allocated for the HIMARS production

4 June, 2024 HIMARS rocket systems and M1A1 Abrams tanks of the Polish army. November 2023. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Poland

Lockheed Martin was awarded a huge contract to manufacture additional HIMARS systems. The U.S. Department of Defense announced that it was allocating £1.92 billion to the company that manufactures these systems.

The new funding is provided under the existing contract W31P4Q-24-D-0019. All M142 HIMARS rocket systems within this contract are to be delivered by May 2028. Nevertheless, the terms of the agreement may be supplemented by new orders.

HIMARS rocket systems on the Lockheed Martin Camden Operations assembly line in Camden, Arkansas, February 27, 2023.

Photo credits: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

The HIMARS rocket system can launch various types of missiles and shells, providing the armed forces with a versatile and effective long-range attack capability. The system can be quickly deployed and moved, making it suitable for use in a variety of combat scenarios. The MLRS is capable of launching rockets and missiles, including the GMLRS and the ATACMS, which are used to engage various types of targets, from armored vehicles to fortified positions.

The system is also capable of launching GLSDBs - glide bombs crossed with a solid rocket booster/engine.

Illustration of the M270 rocket launcher that launches GLSDB

The contract will ensure the continued production and delivery of these advanced systems, which are critical to enhancing the operational capabilities of the U.S. military and its allies, including Ukraine. For several years now, Ukraine has been effectively using American rocket systems on the battlefield, hitting Russian targets with GMLRS and ATACMS missiles.

Illustrative photo of Ukrainian M142 HIMARS.

Photo credits: AFU StratCom

Previously, a HIMARS maintenance center was launched in the city of Bacau in Romania.

This is the first such facility in Europe designed to service the American-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.