Amid Ukraine conflict, Baltic nations ready HIMARS system for peacetime and war

In December 2022, Lithuania signed a contract amounting to $495 million for the procurement of eight HIMARS launchers, along with various types of ammunition. Estonia also secured a HIMARS contract around the same period, ordering six launchers. A year later, in December 2023, Latvia followed suit with a contract to acquire six HIMARS launchers.

Upon the completion of these transactions, the Baltic countries will possess 20 mobile HIMARS launchers in their arsenal. In addition to launcher systems, a range of rockets and missiles will be supplied, including precision strike weapons like the MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) which has a strike range of 186 miles.

The M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a streamlined version of the American M270 MLRS rocket system. Conceived in 1996 by Lockheed Martin, it was designed as a counter-strategy solution against enemy artillery, infantry, light armored carriers, and to support resupply and troop concentration efforts. The mobility of this system (via launchers mounted on a wheeled chassis) is a crucial element, enabling rapid attacks and retreats to minimize the risk of enemy detection.

The HIMARS is mounted on a 5-ton military truck, the FMTV 6x6. Powered by a 6.6-liter Caterpillar 3135 ATAAC Diesel engine supplying 290 horsepower, the vehicle can attain a maximum speed of 59 mph and its travel range is approximately 298 miles. The physical dimensions of the system are 23 feet in length, 7.9 feet in width, and 10.5 feet in height.

The system is equipped to handle standard 227 mm MLRS rockets, leading-edge guided GMLRS ammunition, and rocket shells featuring cluster submunitions. In addition to these, the HIMARS is able to launch the MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) precision strike tactical missiles, which boast a range of 15.5 to 186 miles.