Lockheed Martin confirmed a framework settlement on tailoring the missile launchers to be mounted on Polish-made Jelcz 6X6 vans
Warsaw has authorized plans to acquire one other 486 Excessive Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers which it hopes to start producing domestically beginning on the finish of 2025 below a three way partnership with US protection contractor Lockheed Martin Corp.
“Our aim is to create a state of affairs wherein a robust Polish Military will really deter the aggressor, and we’ll do it,” Polish Protection Minister Mariusz Blaszczak mentioned on Monday in a press release saying the HIMARS order, citing the perceived risk of Russian expansionism.
“As I’ve declared many instances, inside two years, Poland can have the strongest land military, and some of the vital elements of this military might be rocket artillery,” he added.
Poland’s newest HIMARS order is scheduled for supply beginning on the finish of 2025. Mixed with a 2019 buy of the US-made artillery system, the most recent deal will give it a complete of 500 HIMARS items.
Nonetheless, Western navy contractors have struggled to maintain tempo with surging demand for his or her {hardware} amid the Russia-Ukraine battle. NATO Secretary-Basic Jens Stoltenberg warned earlier this 12 months that the Western navy bloc is unable to supply artillery rounds quick sufficient to match Ukraine’s price of firing.
Lockheed Martin mentioned it’s going to to work with the Polish business on tailoring the HIMARS launcher-loader module kits to be mounted on Polish-made Jelcz 6X6 vans.
Polish contractors additionally additionally anticipated to be licensed to supply HIMARS ammunition. “We’re trying ahead to collectively guaranteeing Poland and your entire area keep forward of rising safety threats,” Lockheed Martin govt Paula Hartley mentioned.
The Ukraine battle additionally has given Russian forces ample apply in countering the HIMARS system. The Ukrainian Protection Ministry acknowledged in July that Russia had discovered methods to jam the GPS steerage system for its US-made rockets, lowering their effectiveness.
Key Polish contractors concerned within the HIMARS program will embrace Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), WZU and MESKO. Given {that a} HIMARS launcher and its related ammunition prices round $5.1 million, Poland’s guess on the US-made system could also be valued at about $2.5 billion.
HIMARS batteries fitted to Poland’s Homar-A truck-mounted artillery system will be capable of hearth six rockets in fast succession at ranges of 70 kilometers (43 miles), Lockheed Martin mentioned. The vans additionally will be capable of launch US MGM-140 Military Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) projectiles at ranges as much as 300 kilometers (190 miles).
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