Australia is set to buy 20 HIMARS (high mobility artillery rocket systems) plus an initial 130 rockets, with the prospect that manufacture of the missiles may eventually start in Australia.
HIMARS is one of the signature weapon systems of the Ukraine conflict, delivering devastating precision strikes on Russian forces.
In Australian service, HIMARS – one system is on display at the Avalon Airshow – will form a component of a hybrid artillery force, alongside traditional gun systems.
With a capability to be transported aboard a RAAF C-130, HIMARS will give the ADF an expeditionary capability to conduct distant “shoot and scoot” fire missions.
But in any conflict, ADF missile stocks would likely be speedily exhausted, prompting creation of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise to develop local production of precision munitions.
However, the US has been traditionally reluctant to permit foreign manufacture of its most sensitive technology. That may be changing.
Damien McMahon, Lockheed Martin business development manager for the missiles and fire control division said the company was working through GWEO to understand the capabilities of local firms to develop rocket technology including motors, control systems and warheads.
“We build the systems and the missiles for this. The Commonwealth has asked us to help provide them some advice so they can improve their understanding of whether this is something GWEO would like to do,” he said.
As to the US agreeing to allow release of this technology, Paula Hartley, Lockheed Martin, vice-president for enterprise performance for the company’s missiles and fire control division, said that was a conversation that was occurring between the US and Australia “as we speak”.
In an industry briefing on GWEO last week, another Lockheed official went slightly further, declaring the US government was turning a corner.
“It has become far more open to opening up those supply chains and to allowing a build, particularly of some of more sophisticated system, build them overseas completely,” said Tim Cahill executive vice-president of Lockheed’s missiles and fire control division.
The HIMARS launcher system comprises a five-tonne wheeled vehicle, with rear-mounted launcher and crew of three. Basic weapon loadout comprises six GMLRS missiles with range of 70 kilometres, a single ATACMS with range of 300 kilometres or two PrSM with range of 400 kilometres.
HIMARS firing GMLRS, able to strike within 1-6 metres of a target, have proved very effective in Ukraine.
Asked what feedback Lockheed received on the performance of their missiles in Ukraine, Ms Hartley said they only heard what everyone else heard through the media.
“Highly effective and very precise,” she said.
Australia’s first HIMARS will arrive in 2025. The ADF is still considering their place, one possibility being as part of a precision fires brigade based in Edinburgh, South Australia.