HIMARS deliveries to Poland finalised

This delivery marks the conclusion of Poland’s procurement of 20 HIMARS rocket artillery systems (including two for training) ordered in 2019 for $414 million. Unfortunately, this acquisition delayed Poland’s Homar programme, which aims to adapt and localize the American system. Deliveries began in May 2023, with 18 units handed over to the Polish Armed Forces by the end of that calendar year. These systems were allocated to the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade, part of the 16th Mechanised Division.

The process has now been finalised with the aerial delivery of the last two launchers, intended for training artillery crews on HIMARS and its future Polish variant, the Homar-A. These units are expected to be stationed at the Artillery and Armament Training Centre in Toruń. The acquisition of the HIMARS system significantly enhances the capabilities of Poland’s rocket artillery, especially in terms of firepower. It extends the range from 40–42 km to approximately 85 km using GMLRS rockets and restores a capability lost with the retirement of the Tochka systems in 2005: striking targets with short-range ballistic missiles like the ATACMS, which have a range of 300 km.

Negotiations are currently underway for the procurement of a Polish-adapted version of HIMARS under the Homar-A programme. The plan includes acquiring approximately 126 units under an executive contract. However, a key focus is ensuring a substantial “Polish contribution,” such as integrating Jelcz chassis, Topaz fire control systems, and domestic production of munitions. Without these elements, absent in the initial purchase of 20 units, Poland risks an incomplete approach to acquiring and maintaining the long-term potential of this equipment.

The M142 HIMARS is an American multiple rocket launcher mounted on an Oshkosh M1140 6x6 truck chassis. Powered by a 290 HP Caterpillar engine, the vehicle has a top speed of 85 km/h and an operational range of 480 km. HIMARS is a lighter, wheeled alternative to the tracked M270 MLRS launcher, allowing it to be transported in medium-sized aircraft like the C-130 Hercules.

The launcher carries one container capable of holding six guided GMLRS rockets with a range of approximately 80 km. The ER GMLRS variant, currently being introduced, extends this range. Alternatively, the system can fire a single MGM-140 ATACMS missile with a range exceeding 300 km or two PrSM missiles, capable of hitting targets over 400 km away. The M142 HIMARS is in service in countries including the United States, Jordan, Morocco, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.