US clears Australia to buy HIMARS
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of HIMARS launchers and related equipment.
CAPTION: United States Marine Corps and United States Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems perform a live firing drill at Plains Airfield during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019. Photo by Leading Seaman Craig Walton.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 26 May 2022.
The Government of Australia has requested to buy 20 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 30 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS); 30 Alternative Warhead (AW) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion Systems (IMPS); 30 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive Pods with IMPS; 30 XM403 Extended Range (ER)-GMLRS AW Pods; 30 EM404 ER GMLRS Unitary Pods; and 10 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
See HIMARS in action on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019
Also included are Reduced Range Practice Rocket Pods (RRPRP); Vehicular Intercom System (AN/VIC-3) 3-Station; radio communication mounts; machine gun mounts; battle management system vehicle integration kits; wheel guards; ruggedized laptops; training equipment publications; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools; test equipment; technical data; US Government and Contractor support; technical and logistical support services; and other related elements of program and logistic support.
The total estimated program cost is US$385 million.
A US Defence Security Cooperation Agency press statement said Australia was one of the USA’s most important allies in the Western Pacific.
“The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.
” It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, and will enhance interoperability with US forces and other allied forces.
“Australia will use the capability to strengthen its homeland defense and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure.”
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency assessed that Australia would have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
Among the principal contractors listed to support this purchase [if it goes ahead under Australia’s new government] will be Lockheed Martin and L3 Harris.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.
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We needed this protection yesterday. Our country has been at risk for fare to long and a Government is needed that will being us back up to our potential. At present our military couldn’t put down a one man brawl in Broken Hill. They don’t have the Air Force to get them there, nor the man power to intervein. I would be willing to vote for any party which would bring back National Service for 2 years for 18 year old’s. I never met one National Service person who suffered from their call up back in the 60’s and seventies. Most came out as confidant young men.