Australia Receives Second Batch Of M142 HIMARS Rocket Launchers, Reportedly Two Years Ahead Of Expected Schedule
Australia's Ministry of Defence announced the arrival of a second batch of M142 HIMARS. According to Defense Express, it came much earlier than known schedules, and the country has ordered 42 launchers and is developing its own missile production.
Australia has received a second batch of American M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. According to the country's Ministry of Defence, the delivery took place just a year after the first batch of launchers arrived. The launchers reportedly arrived two years earlier than previously known schedules suggested.
Defense Express clarifies that Australia received its first M142 HIMARS in March 2025. Thus, a little over a year and a half passed between the two batches. Even so, the accelerated delivery of the second batch significantly strengthens the country's capabilities.
It is unknown how many launchers were in the new batch. The first batch consisted of two vehicles.
Australia has ordered a total of 42 M142 HIMARS and plans to buy additional ones to deploy a second brigade with the system. The country also seeks to be able to use these launchers to strike targets at a distance of 1000 km. This is part of efforts to strengthen Australian long-range strike capabilities, including localizing PrSM production and expanding cooperation with the United States.
Australia is the only producer of GMLRS rockets outside the United States. It has already test-fired the first munitions made by local industry.
In addition, the Australian side is participating in the PrSM ballistic missile program. These missiles are being developed to replace ATACMS and have a range of 500 km. Currently, the Increment 1 variant is in serial production, while Increment 2 is undergoing testing.