The Army can use guided missiles to precisely hit surface targets hundreds of kilometres away for the first time in its history.
The first land-based, surface-to-surface missile system, the high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS), will be purchased as part of the future long-range strike capacity of the Department of Defence.
According to Major Stephen Bowles of the Fires Modernization Army, HIMARS could serve as a principal combined-arms weapon.
They are impressive and have seen action. According to Major Bowles, they have been employed in Ukraine, and exercises with them are ongoing in the Indo-Pacific.
Major Bowles said that Australia had large enough training fields to support launching the long-range ammunition after witnessing them live-fire during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 at Shoalwater Bay.
He said, “It looked magnificent, lethal, and just a fast insertion.
The artillery includes an all-terrain manoeuvrable six-wheel chassis and a launcher module that can fire either six guided rockets or a single tactical missile.
Because you can fire, move much more quickly, and utilize all existing roadways, it is possible to survive, according to Major Bowles.
It’s also lighter. We can load it onto C-130s and C-17s, two transport aircraft, and landing helicopter docks (LHDs).
“What we’re looking at is a truck that transports a launcher-module system that is integrated. So, any problems that operators encounter are likely to be straightforward mechanical.
Major Bowles stated, “We aim to grow the RAA by one battery in phase one of the acquisition.
“In later stages, we plan to expand to a second regiment during the following ten years.
The first delivery is scheduled for 2025, while the ultimate operational capability is expected in 2029.
