The Australian Defence Force has received its first two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from the United States, marking a significant upgrade to its long-range strike capabilities. The delivery comes less than two years after the Albanese government announced a $1.6 billion investment to accelerate and expand the HIMARS acquisition, in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
According to the Department of Defence, the HIMARS units are the first of 42 slated for delivery and will be based at the newly established 10th Fires Brigade in Adelaide. The government is also investing in a facility to manufacture HIMARS-compatible missiles and other guided munitions locally.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles hailed the delivery as fulfilling the government’s promise to rapidly acquire a long-range strike capability. “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,” he said.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy noted that the HIMARS launchers are expected to be operational four years ahead of the previous government’s schedule. “This is about equipping our ADF right now with state-of-the-art capabilities that enable it to operate effectively on land, sea and in the air to deter aggression,” the minister stated.
Lockheed Martin describes HIMARS as its most advanced and sustainable artillery solution. The mobile, long-range precision launcher is mounted on a wheeled chassis and offers the firepower of the Multiple Launch Rocket System. It can carry six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rockets, two Precision Strike Missiles, or one Army Tactical Missile System missile.