Lockheed Martin is to produce High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and associated hardware for the US Army, US Marine Corps, Poland and Romania, the company announced on 16 July.

The contract, which is valued at $492 million (€438 million) and marks Poland’s first acquisition of the HIMARS system, calls for production and delivery to be completed by 2022. The vehicles will be built at the company’s Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, AR.

“These new HIMARS launchers will provide unparalleled mobile firepower to light and early entry forces, and our allies can count on Lockheed Martin's ongoing support in maintaining these combat-proven capabilities,” commented Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Precision Fires/Combat Maneuver Systems, Gaylia Campbell.

HIMARS launchers have exceeded 1.4 million operating hours and are currently demonstrating an operational reliability over six times the specified requirement.

HIMARS is a lightweight mobile launcher, transportable via C-130 and larger aircraft for rapid deployment. It fires Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, and consists of a launcher-loader module and fire control system mounted on a five-ton truck chassis, with a specialised armoured cab providing additional protection to the three crew members.