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Australia is to acquire 48 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems under a possible US$705 million US foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was advised of the possible sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), resupply vehicles and other equipment by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 30 September.
The potential sale also includes M1084A2 HIMARS resupply vehicles, M1095 trailers, low cost reduced range practice rocket pods, intercom systems, radio and communication mounts, spare parts, and technical and logistics support services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of the United States’ most important allies in the Western Pacific,” according to a statement published by the US DSCA.
“The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the US national interest to assist this ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats and will enhance interoperability with US forces and other allied forces.
“Australia will use the capability to strengthen its homeland defence and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Australia.”
The principal contractors are expected to be Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Corporation, Leonardo DRS and the Oshkosh Corporation.
The possible acquisition of the HIMARS via FMS could be alluding to the current competition occurring between HIMARS (fitted with Precision Strike Missiles) and StrikeMaster launcher vehicles (fitted with Naval Strike Missiles) under the continuing evaluation and selection process for LAND 8113 Phase 2.
Under that project, the Australian Government has previously announced intentions to procure land-based, long-range fires to protect Australia’s northern approaches. However, a Congressional FMS notification, such as the above, would not directly indicate an outcome for the LAND 8113 Phase 2 tender evaluation.
