On August 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a potential military sale to the Norwegian government that includes the supply of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment. The deal, valued at approximately $580 million, has been certified by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and has now been submitted to Congress for final approval.
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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevin Alvarez guides a highly mobile artillery rocket system during Orient Shield 24 at Yausubetsu Training Area, Hokkaido, Japan, July 22, 2024. (Image source: US DoD)

The planned sale to Norway includes sixteen M142 Himars units, along with fifteen M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) capsules with alternative warheads and fifteen M31A2 GMLRS Unitary capsules with high explosive charges. In addition, Norway will acquire one hundred M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) capsules, which are critical to extending the range and impact of its artillery capabilities. The package also includes Low-Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR) capsules, interactive electronic technical manuals and a full range of support services, including integration, spare parts, tool kits, test equipment, logistics and training. Lockheed Martin, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, has been named as the prime contractor for this extensive military program.

To implement the sale, representatives from the U.S. government and contractors will be required to travel to Norway on a regular basis, likely up to twice a year, to assist with program management reviews, equipment provision, and training.

HIMARS has become a crucial tool in modern warfare, as demonstrated particularly by its successful use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The system is known for its mobility and precision, and can fire multiple rockets and missiles with pinpoint accuracy. Mounted on a 5-ton truck, HIMARS is highly maneuverable and can be quickly deployed, making it an excellent tool for both offensive and defensive operations. The system can fire Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles with a range of up to 70 km and ATACMS missiles that can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away, making it extremely effective at attacking enemy infrastructure, command centers and supply lines. Its versatility allows it to attack a wide range of targets, from heavily fortified positions to moving convoys.

In Ukraine HIMARS has played a crucial role in significantly disrupting Russian logistics and command structures with its precision strikes and has become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defensive and offensive strategies.

For Norway, the acquisition of HIMARS represents a significant upgrade of its military capabilities, especially given its strategic location in the Arctic and proximity to Russia. This purchase not only strengthens Norway’s artillery capabilities, but also its role as a key NATO ally. The deployment of HIMARS will improve interoperability between NATO forces and enable more coordinated and effective joint operations in the region. While the planned sale progresses through the necessary channels, it represents a critical step in the ongoing modernization of the Norwegian military and ensures that it is well equipped to meet the evolving security challenges of the 21st century.

Most recently, the U.S. Army has continued its investment in the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), awarding several major contracts to Lockheed Martin. In June 2024, Lockheed Martin secured a major contract modification valued at $2.8 billion from the U.S. Army to supply up to 311 additional HIMARS launchers. This contract underscores the growing demand for HIMARS, especially given its critical role in modern conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. This contract is part of a broader effort to expand the U.S. military’s HIMARS inventory by fiscal year 2028.

In 2024, the United States has continued to expand its international sales of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), signing several major contracts with allied nations. Notably, Poland signed a significant contract earlier this year to acquire an additional 500 HIMARS launchers, a deal that underscores its efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid ongoing security concerns in Eastern Europe. Similarly, Australia has also signed a contract to purchase HIMARS units, reflecting the country’s strategic focus on strengthening its defense infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region.

The M142 Himars is currently used by several countries around the world, with the United States being the primary operator. Other active users include Romania, Singapore, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Poland, all of which have integrated HIMARS into their armed forces to enhance their long-range precision strike capabilities. Looking ahead, Australia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, and Taiwan have committed to becoming future users, with plans to integrate HIMARS into their defense strategies. In addition, Croatia and Bulgaria are potential future users, having expressed interest in acquiring the system to strengthen their military capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges. This widespread adoption and interest underscores the growing recognition of HIMARS as a critical asset in modern military operations.