Stars and Stripes
January 5, 2023

Australia to buy HIMARS, a US-made rocket system that’s seeing success in Ukraine

Australia is buying the same type of U.S.-made long-range missile systems that have helped Ukrainian forces even the odds against invading Russians.

The Australian government announced plans Thursday to spend more than $680 million to field surface-to-surface High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, launchers, missiles and training rockets by 2026.

“In the current strategic environment, it’s important the Australian Defence Force is equipped with high-end, targeted military capabilities,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said in the announcement.

[I]n May the U.S. State Department approved a potential foreign military sale to Australia of 20 HIMARS and related equipment at an estimated cost of $385 million.

The Australian announcement followed a HIMARS strike by Ukrainian forces on New Year’s Day that killed more than 80 Russian troops.

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HIMARS munitions have a range of up to 186 miles, which is expected to increase with technological advances, according to the Australian announcement.

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The Defense Department, which has sent 20 HIMARS to Ukraine…on Oct. 4 announced shipment of four more launchers.