Australia will not receive its first M142 HIMARS missile systems until 2025

The success of the M142 HIMARS in Ukraine has prompted other countries to show interest in the U.S. missile system. One of them is Australia. But it will have to wait.

Here's What We Know

Late last year, Lockheed Martin brought the M142 HIMARS high-mobility artillery missile system to Australia for a weapons exhibition. But in mock-up form. And in early January 2023, the country's Ministry of Defence officially announced the purchase of two dozen systems.

The Royal Australian Artillery Corps will be able to expand its firepower significantly, but only in a few years. The first M142 HIMARS missile system will not be delivered to Australia until 2025. Full operational capability is scheduled to be achieved in 2029.

The US State Department has approved the sale of the GMLRS, GMLRS-ER precision-guided missiles and the ATACMS ballistic missile to Australia with a maximum range of 80km, 150km and 300km respectively. The cost of the ammunition and 20 M142 HIMARS missile systems will amount to $385 million.

Source: Army Recognition