The Department of State has cleared a potential $1.75 billion foreign military sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to Canada, with Lockheed Martin designated as the principal contractor. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday that it had already submitted the required certification to Congress.
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FMS Details
Canada has requested 26 M142 HIMARS launchers, along with an extensive package of munitions that includes:
- 132 M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System
- 132 M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods with IMPS
- 32 M403 Extended Range GMLRS AW pods with IMPS
- 32 M404 ER GMLRS Unitary pods with IMPS
- 64 M57 Army Tactical Missile System pods
Non-major defense equipment items include training and training equipment, radios, intercom systems, practice rocket pods, toolkits, spare parts, contractor logistics support, technical publications, transportation and program management services.
HIMARS Capabilities
HIMARS is a wheeled, mobile launcher capable of deploying a variety of precision munitions, including GMLRS rockets, Precision Strike Missiles and ATACMS. Designed for flexibility and coalition interoperability, the system offers advanced targeting, rapid mobility and cost-effective precision fires.
Lockheed highlights HIMARS as an affordable and sustainable artillery solution that delivers coalition-friendly interoperability and maximum commonality with the M270 MLRS platform. The system is combat-proven and adaptable for both homeland defense and expeditionary operations.
Strategic Importance
According to DSCA, the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security by strengthening the military capabilities of Canada, a NATO ally with global peacekeeping and humanitarian commitments. HIMARS will provide Canada with enhanced long-range precision strike capabilities, reinforcing its role in NATO’s collective defense and deterrence strategy in Europe.
The department noted that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region and that Canada is well-positioned to integrate the systems into its armed forces.
