Italy ready to spend $1bn on M142 HIMARS after successful use of missile systems in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has revived the demand for weapons. Some systems have become very popular thanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For example, the M142 HIMARS.

Here's What We Know

In the spring, Italy planned to publish a budget document detailing defence spending in 2023, as well as a forecast for future years. However, the document did not appear until this week. The delay is probably due to an update on procurement against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The list now includes 21 M142 high-mobility artillery rocket systems, better known as HIMARS. Italy intends to spend approximately $145 million over seven years on the launchers. The total cost of HIMARS will reach $1bn.

The procurement is aimed at enhancing precision strike capabilities. The funds will be spent not only on the acquisition of launchers, but also on integrated logistics support, infrastructure preparation, military training and missiles.

The M142 HIMARS will expand the Italian Army's rocket artillery fleet, which is currently armed with M270 MLRS multiple rocket launchers. The Apennine Peninsula country is upgrading the M270 to A2 standard, which will allow the use of GMLRS ER missiles with a range of up to 150 kilometres. Work began in 2021 and will be completed in 2032.

Source: Defence News