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Canada Plans to Acquire American HIMARS MLRS Despite Tensions with Washington.
The Canadian government is preparing to finalize a contract for the acquisition of HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems from the United States, a decision that falls within the framework of the Long-Range Precision Strike project aimed at strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. According to industry sources cited by the Canadian media outlet Ottawa Citizen, this acquisition would be carried out through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, a program that allows U.S. allies to purchase military equipment directly from the U.S. government. The Canadian Department of National Defence, through its spokesperson Kened Sadiku, confirmed that the project is underway and that further announcements are expected in the coming months.
Adapted for modern combat requirements, HIMARS features an armored cabin that shields the crew from small arms fire and shell fragments, enhancing protection in operational environments (Picture source: US DoD)
The budget allocated for this program amounts to $5 billion, covering the procurement of HIMARS launchers, fire control software, ammunition, and spare parts. However, this initiative has drawn criticism from military analysts and representatives of Canada’s defense industry, who view it as increasing the country’s reliance on the U.S. for military equipment. Concerns over this dependence are heightened by ongoing bilateral tensions, particularly following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and threatened the country’s automotive sector.
The M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a multiple rocket launcher system mounted on a 6x6 FMTV tactical truck chassis, designed to provide mobile and precise firepower. It can fire six MLRS-series rockets or a single ATACMS tactical missile, reaching targets at a maximum range of 300 km. Its advanced fire control system and autonomous operation capability enable it to be operated by a three-person crew. Its high mobility allows for rapid repositioning after firing, minimizing exposure to counterattacks and enhancing survivability on the battlefield.
Adapted for modern combat requirements, HIMARS features an armored cabin that shields the crew from small arms fire and shell fragments, enhancing protection in operational environments. Its integration with advanced command and navigation systems significantly improves accuracy and operational effectiveness, making it a key asset in long-range artillery strategies. C-130 transportable, it can be rapidly deployed across various operational theaters, supporting ground forces or executing precision strikes. Its performance has been demonstrated in recent conflicts, where its flexibility and firepower have made it a key element in modern artillery operations.
Despite ongoing political and economic tensions, Canada continues to allocate the majority of its defense contracts to U.S. companies. In 2023, Ottawa committed nearly $30 billion to military acquisitions, with a significant portion awarded to U.S.-based firms. These included an $8 billion agreement with Boeing for reconnaissance aircraft and a $2.5 billion drone procurement deal. This strategy further solidifies the U.S.'s dominant role in equipping the Canadian Armed Forces and raises concerns about Canada’s defense policy independence.
One major issue is the technological control exercised by Washington over key Canadian military assets. The F-35 fighter jets and newly commissioned warships are equipped with U.S.-controlled technologies, meaning that critical software updates and maintenance depend entirely on the United States. Analysts argue that such dependence could restrict Canada’s ability to operate these systems independently in the event of diplomatic disputes or disruptions in bilateral relations.
In light of these concerns, several observers have pointed to the historical closeness between Canadian and U.S. military leadership, suggesting that Canada has been reluctant to explore European or domestic alternatives for diversifying its defense procurement. Representatives of the Canadian defense industry argue that Ottawa’s acquisition policies provide little benefit to national firms, which struggle to compete with major U.S. contractors. Additionally, former Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick Hillier has publicly advocated for even closer ties between Canada and the U.S.. On social media, he has expressed support for proposals aimed at strengthening economic and border integration between the two countries, fueling further debate on Canadian military sovereignty.
In this context, Canada’s decision to acquire HIMARS from the U.S., despite recent political and economic tensions, highlights the complexity of Ottawa’s relationship with Washington. While Canada seeks to modernize its military capabilities to address contemporary security challenges, it must also contend with a growing industrial and technological dependence on its principal ally. This factor is likely to play a decisive role in future defense decisions, raising questions about the balance between capability enhancement and the preservation of strategic autonomy.