The US Army is looking for companies that can build a lot of rockets.
The Army's request for information coincides with the use of the US-supplied M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems by the Ukrainian army.
The Army has a five-year schedule that calls for almost 500 new HIMARS. The Army is considering a minimum of 24 new launchers a year and a maximum of 96 over the next five years.
The Army said the total quantities include all possible variations. There are additional supporting efforts that include recurring production, obsolescence, engineering changes, system engineering and program management, integrated logistics support, and other support equipment.
Funding, Congressional politics, and changes in military technology are some of the factors that affect whether or not the new HIMARS are built. The Army may use the information provided in developing its acquisition strategy.
The world's supply of HIMARS would be doubled if 480 new launchers were added.
The US Army and Marine Corps have a combined total of 362. Before Russia attacked Ukraine, the Army said it would try to increase its force. Up to 54 HIMARS have been approved for purchase by the US. Both Singapore and Jordan have launchers.
Taiwan is the most notable buyer next to Ukraine.
Taiwan originally planned to order just 11 HIMARS along with 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled 155-mm howitzers, but it now wants to order more of them. According to Taiwan's army, HIMARS would be more effective than an amphibious landing.
Its cachet alone will probably increase sales because of the publicity it has received.
The heavy armored M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System is designed to be a lightweight truck-mounted multiple rocket system. Ukraine's vehicles are armed with a rocket system that can shoot six rockets out to 50 miles.
Russian targets such as command posts, and even bridges have been destroyed by the Ukrainians.
Ukrainian forces appreciate the long reach of HIMARS. When Russia launched its attack in February, the Soviet-era weaponry used by the Ukrainian military was out of range by newer Russian weapons.
Russian artillery were able to destroy Ukrainian guns while being out of range of counter- fire. Squeak-and-shoot tactics can be used to quickly relocate after firing.
It's going to be difficult to ramp up production of the show. Covid-19 and other supply-chain problems have led to procurement delays. Expansion of production lines for unguided 155-mm howitzer shells can take more than a year in the best of times.
Changes in Pentagon priorities and Congressional funding may deter manufacturers from investing. The US's complicated Foreign Military Sales process is one of the reasons why weapons are exported to other countries.
There is a chance that HIMARS becomes a desired weapon. More will be built by the US defense industry.
His work has been published in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He has a masters degree in political science. You can follow him on social networking sites.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
