HIMARS: How it's changing Ukraine's fight against Russia

Impressive weapon.

Let's hope we get them back when it's over.

Thank you my friend Lt Col Charlie Brown for posting the perspective from Sunday Morning about the multiple launch rocket system [MLRS] High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) which the USA has provided to Ukraine.


HIMARS is one of many offensive apabilities Ukraine has been provided. They are using the system with contracted logistics support and operational training as they integrate this capability into their long range artillery and ADA capabilities.
"Since June, the U.S. has provided 16 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which have played a vital part in Ukraine's ability to fight off the Russian invasion. Currently, Ukraine fires Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) from HIMARS, which have successfully targeted key Russian military targets such as command posts and ammunition depots."

Ukrainian forces fire HIMARS to intercepts Russian Su-25 fighter jets over Kherson city
The SU-25 Frogfoot was shot down by a shouder launched man-portable air-defense system [MANPADS ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kBwJSjVlYI

Image: A view of a US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during a landing exercise at Spilve airfield in Riga, Latvia, in 2021. HIMARS is the most potent offensive weapon that has been given to Ukraine [Toms Kalnins/EPA-EFE]

1. Here is background on HIMARS from {[https://lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/himars.html]}
There are more that 540 HIMARS systems at present - distributed around the free world
The current range of this system is up to 300 kilometers with a variety of future munitions under development designed to reach targets up 499 kilometers.
HIMARS: Protecting our soldiers with combat proven reliability
Adversaries around the globe are becoming more sophisticated. To protect soldiers, citizens and infrastructure, our customers require the most advanced tactical missile capabilities. The Lockheed Martin HIMARS is a strategic capability, improving homeland and important asset defense while reducing overall mission costs.

Affordable and Sustainable
HIMARS is the most technically advanced, affordable and sustainable artillery solution.
Provides cutting-edge technology on an indigenous platform.
Maximum commonality with M270A1 launch system and MLRS interoperability. Simplifies coalition operations, training, logistics and coordination.


Versatile Munitions
HIMARS carries a six-pack of GMLRS rockets or one TACMS missile, and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions.

Here is background from military.com {[https://www.military.com/equipment/m142-himars]}
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems
Weight: 24,000 lb
Length: 23 ft
Width: 8 ft
Height: 10.5 ft
Crew: 3
Max Rate of Fire: 6 rockets
Maximum Range: 45 mi
Operational Range: 298 mi
Speed: 53 mph
Offering Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firepower on a wheeled chassis, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest member of the MLRS launcher family.

HIMARS carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile on the Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It was successfully combat-tested in Operation Iraqi Freedom. HIMARS is C-130 transportable and can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world.


The HIMARS or High-Mobility Artilery Rocket System is a light multiple rocket launcher. Watch our quick "Bullet Points" facts to learn more.
The HIMARS or High-Mobility Artilery Rocket System is a light multiple rocket launcher. Watch our quick "Bullet Points" facts to learn more.
The HIMARS fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same.
Under contract to the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 400 HIMARS launchers to the Army, Marine Corps and international customers.
In May 2005, the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery became the first unit equipped with HIMARS. Since then the Army has fielded eleven additional battalions, in both active and National Guard units. The Army plans to field an additional six battalions. Additionally, the Marines have fielded more than 38 launchers.
HIMARS has expanded its global presence and has begun to serve the international market, including such countries as Jordan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

FYI LTC Trent Klug LTC Greg Henning LTC (Join to see) MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SSG (Join to see) SSG Franklin Briant 1SG Dan Capri SSG Richard (Rick) DanaSGT Dan Grey
MAJ Hugh Blanchard PO3 Edward Riddle LTC (Join to see) MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi MSG Greg Kelly MSG Don Burt SPC Gary C. SPC Lyle Montgomery SFC William Farrell CSM Charles Hayden