Poland completes HIMARS arsenal with final deliveries
Two final M142 HIMARS launchers have arrived in Poland by air, transported using the world's largest aircraft, the An-124 Ruslan. With these arrivals, the military now possesses its full order of 20 units, initially placed in 2019.
8:53 AM EST, November 22, 2024
Polish Deputy Minister of Defense Paweł Bejda announced on Friday, November 22, that the last two HIMARS launchers had landed in Poland. "The first stage of the Homar-A launcher deliveries is complete. This morning, a special aircraft transported two HIMARS launchers to Poland," Bejda stated on platform X.
Two HIMARS units have arrived in poland
The Armament Agency notes that the HIMARS units are equipped with M68A2 pods meant for training purposes. Previously, Poland received 18 launchers, alongside accompanying vehicles, forming a comprehensive system based on technologies like the AFATDS fire control system.
The transport of these two launchers is part of a 2013 agreement between Poland and the United States, which includes 20 HIMARS launchers, facilitating the formation of one fire module battalion in Poland. The latest HIMARS units arrived aboard the Antonov An-124.
HIMARS system
The HIMARS system's main advantage is its ability to use various types of ammunition, such as MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, which can strike targets up to approximately 186 miles away. Precise inertial and satellite navigation provide exceptional accuracy, making HIMARS one of the most effective artillery systems in modern warfare.
Designed for versatility, the HIMARS system can employ a range of ammunition types. Typically, it uses MLRS rockets with a caliber of 8.94 inches, capable of hitting targets around 50 miles away. In addition to standard ammunition, HIMARS can launch MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, offering a range of up to 186 miles, depending on the version. Each rocket in this system is equipped with a combination of inertial and satellite navigation, ensuring exceptional accuracy within just a few meters.
