The Pentagon recently announced a significant contract worth $1.1 billion with Lockheed Martin, a leading U.S. defense company, to produce M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for multiple allied nations, including Canada. The contract, posted by the U.S. Department of War on its contracting website, caters to the urgent requirements of the Army, Marine Corps, and Foreign Military Sales customers in Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan.
As part of the agreement, a total of 17 HIMARS units will be manufactured, with completion expected by April 2028. While the exact number of systems allocated to the Canadian Armed Forces remains undisclosed, Canada had expressed interest in acquiring a total of 26 units. Notably, despite the finalized deal in January, the Liberal government has not officially announced its intention to procure the HIMARS from the U.S., possibly to avoid political implications.
Defense expert Dave Perry suggested that the formal paperwork signing indicates the imminent transaction, with the necessary financial arrangements likely in progress. The Department of National Defence (DND) has not provided details regarding the signing date or initial payment made.
In previous developments, the U.S. State Department approved Canada’s potential purchase of HIMARS last October, emphasizing their importance for troop defense in Latvia and military modernization. The Canadian Army’s Commander, Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, emphasized the critical need for HIMARS due to their proven battlefield effectiveness and immediate availability.
Apart from vehicle launch systems, Canada is also considering procuring rocket launch pods for operational and training purposes. The HIMARS deal is part of a broader initiative by the Liberal government to diversify military equipment procurement sources.
While ongoing reviews and geopolitical considerations may impact the delivery timeline of HIMARS and other military gear, there are no reported delays affecting Canada’s equipment deliveries from the U.S. amidst current international tensions.