Live firing exercice with HIMARS rocket launchers of U.S. Marines in Australia

The U.S. Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, a part of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participated in Exercise Southern Reach, have performed a live-fire training exercise with High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS M-142, at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Australia from 13-15 August 2019.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, a part of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D), fire Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions during Southern Reach, at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia on August 15, 2019. (Picture source U.S Marines)

The HIMARS Marines fired two Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System munitions, known as GMLRS, in Australia for the first time ever. The live-fire training conducted was over an area of 3,282 square miles.HIMARS is participating in MRF-D for the first time. These Marines and equipment provide MRF-D an extended range precision strike capability that can further shape the battlespace.

"These being the first GMLRS in Australia to be shot, I felt honored to have that opportunity," said U.S. Marine Cpl. Daniel Pavelka, one of the HIMARS Marines a part of the exercise. Not only were two GIMLRS munition shot, but there were also multiple rounds of Reduced Range Practice Rocket shot from each M241 HIMARS truck.

The M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is multiple rocket launcher system mounted to a 6x6 FMTV truck chassis. HIMARS was developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control under an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) program, placed in 1996. The purpose of HIMARS is to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.

In addition to the standard MLRS round, HIMARS is capable of launching the entire MLRS family of munitions, including the extended-range rocket, the reduced-range practice rocket and all future variants. The high-mobility artillery rocket system carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one army tactical missile system (ATACMS) missile.