Australia Receives First HIMARS Rocket Systems

The Australian Army received its first two HIMARS rocket systems on March 21, at Avalon Airport, marking the start of its long-range firepower enhancement effort.

These systems will serve as the foundation for training maintenance crews and operators, reinforcing an artillery capability that has been absent for years. The newly formed 10th Fire Support Brigade, based in Adelaide, will oversee their integration.

Australia has ordered a total of 42 HIMARS units under the LAND 8113 program for $1.6 billion. The procurement includes GMLRS rockets, ATACMS, and PrSM missiles, extending operational strike ranges up to 500 km and targeting moving maritime threats in the future.

The program also involves domestic missile production, with Australia set to manufacture GMLRS rounds for HIMARS. Beyond rocket artillery, the Army is also acquiring K9 Thunder howitzers from South Korea, with local production already underway. Hanwha Defense is working on integrating AS9 artillery mounts with Australian-made 155mm Rheinmetall Assegai rounds, further advancing local defense capabilities.