Italy Orders 14 Additional M142 HIMARS Rocket Systems

The January 7 order adds 14 HIMARS launchers, bringing the total to 21, valued at $400M
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 12:44 PM, January 10, 2025
  • 416
Italy Orders 14 Additional M142 HIMARS Rocket Systems
M142 HIMARS system @via open sources

Italy has finalized an order for 14 additional M142 HIMARS rocket systems from the United States, aimed at strengthening its long-range strike capabilities.

The acquisition, confirmed by the Land Armaments Directorate of the Italian Ministry of Defense, will make Italy the latest European nation to deploy the American Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) mounted on a wheeled chassis.

The latest order, which was signed on January 7, includes a second batch of 14 HIMARS launchers, bringing the total number of systems ordered to 21. The contract also covers technical support and other related services for the systems.

Italy’s decision to purchase the M142 HIMARS systems follows the approval of a potential sale of 21 systems worth $400 million by the U.S. State Department in December 2023. The procurement plan was initiated in February 2024 as part of Italy's effort to modernize its artillery capabilities.

The M142 HIMARS is a high-mobility artillery system mounted on the M1140 FMTV truck. It launches high-precision rockets and the M57 ATACMS missile, with a range up to 300 km, offering Italy advanced missile strike capabilities. Designed to target artillery, anti-aircraft defenses, transport vehicles, combat equipment, and armored personnel carriers, HIMARS provides critical fire support. It can fire six GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS missile, with ranges up to 300 kilometers, and can be transported via C-130 aircraft. Precision is achieved through inertial navigation and GPS guidance, with some variants offering different warheads. Future upgrades may include the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), with ranges over 300 kilometers.

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