The US HIMARS missile system successfully destroyed a naval target during a Highball exercise in Western Australia

The US Army, in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force, conducted military exercise Highball. As part of the event, the M142 HIMARS missile system was able to destroy a target at sea.

Here's What We Know

The exercise was designed to confirm the ability of the M142 HIMARS to destroy maritime targets. This is an important criterion for Australia, which wants to buy 22 missile systems with dozens of GMLRS / GMLRS ER precision-guided projectiles. The potential $975 million deal has been approved by the US State Department.

Highball took place in Western Australia. The defence forces were conducting military exercises in conjunction with the US Indo-Pacific Command. The highly mobile artillery rocket systems were delivered by a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Once in position, the M142 HIMARS launcher received data on the maritime target, struck and destroyed it with a direct hit. The Australian Department of Defence did not specify the characteristics of the target, the launch range or the type of munition used to hit it.

Source: Janes