Poland to Acquire 486 HIMARS Launchers in Partnership with Lockheed Martin
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Polish government has granted approval for the acquisition of an additional 486 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country's defense capabilities.
These launchers are set to be produced domestically, with production commencing at the end of 2025, through a collaborative effort with leading US defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp.
In a statement issued on Monday, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak emphasized the strategic importance of this decision, stating, "Our goal is to create a situation in which a strong Polish Army will actually deter the aggressor, and we will do it." He cited the perceived threat of Russian expansionism as a key motivator for this move. Blaszczak added, "Within two years, Poland will have the strongest land army, and one of the most important components of this army will be rocket artillery."
The latest order of HIMARS units is scheduled for delivery starting at the end of 2025. When combined with a previous 2019 purchase of US-made artillery systems, this acquisition will bring the total number of HIMARS units in Poland's arsenal to 500.
However, the surge in demand for military hardware amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict has posed challenges for Western military contractors. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previously warned that the Western military bloc faces difficulties in producing artillery rounds rapidly enough to match Ukraine's rate of firing.
Lockheed Martin has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the Polish industry in adapting HIMARS launcher-loader module kits for use on Polish-made Jelcz 6X6 trucks. Polish contractors also anticipate obtaining licenses to manufacture HIMARS ammunition. Paula Hartley, an executive at Lockheed Martin, stated, "We're looking forward to jointly ensuring Poland and the entire region stay ahead of emerging security threats."
The Ukraine conflict has provided Russian forces with experience in countering the HIMARS system. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry acknowledged in July that Russia had developed methods to disrupt the GPS guidance system for US-made rockets, reducing their effectiveness.
Key Polish contractors involved in the HIMARS program include Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), WZU, and MESKO. Given that a HIMARS launcher and its associated ammunition costs approximately $5.1 million, Poland's investment in the US-made system may be valued at around $2.5 billion.
