The U.S. Army assigned a $183-million contract for Lockheed Martin to produce 28 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers and associated hardware, for delivery to the U.S. Marine Corps and an unnamed international customer beginning in late 2022.
“The Army’s commitment to the HIMARS launcher through 2050 reflects our customers’ confidence in Lockheed Martin’s highly reliable, combat-proven precision strike systems and munitions," stated Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Manufacturing will take place at Lockheed's Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Ark.
HIMARS is a lightweight mobile launcher that fires a range of ballistic weapons: Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, the next-generation Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and Extended-Range GMLRS rockets.
The system is transportable via C-130 and larger aircraft for rapid deployment, with a launcher loader module and fire-control system mounted on a five-ton truck chassis. A specialized armored cab provides additional protection to three crew members that operate the system.
“These new HIMARS launchers will provide unmatched mobile firepower in support of multi-domain operations, and our allies can count on Lockheed Martin's continued support in maintaining these combat-proven systems,” said Campbell.
