Poland has requested the sale of high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) M142 launchers and related equipment from the US for an estimated cost of $655m.

Congress has been notified of the potential foreign military sale by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

Approved by the US State Department, the sale includes 20 HIMARS M142 launchers, 36 guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) M31 unitary, nine guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS) M30A1 alternative warheads, as well as 30 army tactical missile system (ATACMS) M57 unitary.

The sale package includes 24 advanced field artillery tactical data systems (AFATDS), 20 multiple launcher pod assembly M68A2 trainers, 24 M1151A1 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs), nine M1151A1 HMMWVs and 20 low-cost reduced range (LCRR) practice rockets.

In a statement, DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a Nato ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.



“The procurement of HIMARS and other related equipment will help Poland update its armed forces and provide it with an improved capability to better defend its homeland.”

“This sale is consistent with US initiatives to provide key allies in the region with modern systems that will enhance interoperability with US forces and increase security.”

The procurement of HIMARS and other related equipment will help Poland update its armed forces and provide it with an improved capability to better defend its homeland and deter regional threats.

Lockheed Martin has been cited as the principal contractor for the potential sale.

The proposed sale will also see US Government or contractor representatives travel to Poland twice a year to support equipment fielding and training.

Developed in 1996 by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, HIMARS is the newest member of the MLRS family and is designed to destroy artillery, air defence concentrations, trucks, and light armour and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.

Last year, Poland requested a $250m sale of HIMARS from the US.