Latvia Finalizes HIMARS Rocket Launcher Acquisition

Latvia has signed a contract with the United States for the purchase of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launchers, valued at $180 million.

The procurement aims to enhance the firepower of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS), according to statements from Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.

“We have signed an agreement with the USA for the purchase of HIMARS missile artillery systems and ammunition. The total amount of the contract is approximately $180 million,” Spruds wrote on social media.

The contract includes the acquisition of ATACMS long-distance, high-accuracy missiles, signifying a substantial improvement in the Latvian military's combat capabilities. Minister Sprūds emphasized that this procurement is a crucial step in reinforcing Latvia's strategic partnership with the U.S. and contributing to the development of NATO's defensive capacities.

In October 2023, the U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale worth $220 million to Latvia, covering six M142 HIMARS, twelve M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Alternative Warhead (AW) Pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System (IMPS), twelve M31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U) High Explosive Pods with IMPS, and 10 M57 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Pods.

The M142 HIMARS is a wheeled artillery system capable of carrying a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS missile, designed for launching the entire MLRS family of munitions.

This acquisition follows Latvia's earlier contract for the Naval Strike Missile system, valued at $105 million (€97.4 million), with a significant portion covered by the U.S. The Naval Strike Missile, produced by U.S. company Raytheon in collaboration with Norwegian company Kongsberg, is scheduled for full delivery by 2027.