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Canada could acquire 26 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and numerous munitions under a possible US$1.75 billion foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was notified of the possible sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 1 October.
The possible sale includes the 26 M142 HIMARS, 132 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System unitary pods with insensitive munitions propulsion system, 132 M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods with IMPS, 32 M403 Extended Range GMLRS AW pods with IMPS, 32 M404 ER GMLRS Unitary pods with IMPS and 64 M57 Army Tactical Missile System pods.
Other possible sale items include low cost reduced range practice rocket pods, interactive electronic technical manuals, integration support services, spare parts, tool kits, test equipment, technical assistance and technical publications.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress and is a contributor to military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world,” according to a statement from the DSCA.
“The proposed sale will improve Canada’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing the M142 HIMARS long-range precision strike system and munitions.
“This capability will protect Canada by improving Canada’s contribution to collective hemispheric defence and to defence and deterrence in Europe, as directed by NATO’s defence plans.
“Canada will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services 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 require multiple trips to Canada involving up to 20 US government and up to 15 contractor representatives for program management reviews to support the program. Travel is expected to occur approximately twice per year as needed to support equipment fielding and training.”
The principal contractor is expected to be Lockheed Martin.
