Ukrainian AN-124 aircraft deliver first HIMARS to Poland - $655m contract includes 20 missile systems, 30 ATACMS and 270 GMLRS rounds

In February 2023, the United States approved the sale of M142 HIMARS missile systems to Poland. But the first order was placed about four years ago. It is these launchers that are beginning to arrive in the European country.

Here's What We Know

In 2019, Poland signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to manufacture and deliver 20 HIMARS missile systems. The $655 million deal includes 270 high-precision GMLRS and tactical ballistic missiles MGM-140 ATACMS with launch ranges of 80km and 300km respectively.

The first five HIMARS missile systems were delivered to Poland by Ukrainian AN-124 aircraft. They will enter service with the 1st Artillery Brigade. They will be deployed in the north-eastern part of the country, where the 16th Division is stationed.

Poland wants to acquire 500 M142 HIMARS highly mobile artillery rocket systems. The U.S. State Department approved the sale of 18 launchers in late winter.

The new deal is worth $10 billion. In addition to the 18 launchers, it includes more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The overwhelming part of them falls on GMLRS (~1000 units) and GMLRS-ER (~500 units) with launch range of 80 km and 150 km respectively. The deal also includes MGM-140 ATACMS. The missiles have a maximum launch range of approximately 300 km. Poland has ordered 45 ATACMS units.

Source: @Defence24pl