Italy purchases 21 US-made M142 HIMARS rocket launchers to expand long-range strike capabilities.

On January 7, 2025, Terrarm, the Land Armament Directorate responsible for procurement for the Italian Defense, announced the completion of contracts for the purchase of 21 US-made M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and four new German Skynex C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) very short-range air defense systems. These contracts expand Italy’s long-range artillery arsenal with an additional 14 HIMARS launchers, bringing the total to 21, and establish a new framework for close-defense capabilities against rocket, artillery, and mortar threats.
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In Italy, these 21 new M142 HIMARS will complement the 21 updated M270A1 MLRS-I systems in service since 2011, previously adapted to fire GMLRS rockets. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Terrarm began the M142 HIMARS procurement in February 2024 through a contract with the U.S. government agency known as Strategic Operational Rocket Missile (STORM), in accordance with Italian Army requirements. Italian Parliament documents published in October 2023 indicated that the 2023 defense budget and the 2024 forecasts allocated an initial €137 million—cited as €145 million in some references—for the HIMARS program. The total cost is estimated at €960 million, covering the launchers, unspecified munitions, crew training, and supply chain expenses. This initiative aligns with the Concetto Operativo dell’Esercito Italiano 2020–2035 and the Esercito 4.0 concept, focusing on contactless maneuvering, enhanced projection capacity, and increased indirect firepower.

Earlier, on December 16, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense approved a Foreign Military Sale to Italy, valued at an estimated $400 million. The sale includes 21 M142 HIMARS, one M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary Pod with an Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System, and associated technical and logistical support. The agreement also allows U.S. government and industry specialists to travel to Italy for training and program reviews. No offset arrangements have been disclosed. Updated guidelines from the Documento Programmatico Pluriennale 2024–2026 confirm the integration of these assets into the Italian Armed Forces to complement the 21 updated M270A1 MLRS-I systems in service since 2011, previously adapted to fire GMLRS rockets.

Italy’s interest in HIMARS stems from its deployment by various NATO and non-NATO operators and its demonstrated performance in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine. The system’s ability to engage long-range targets with the GMLRS family and reposition rapidly has gained international recognition. HIMARS can fire six GMLRS rockets or one ATACMS missile, with ranges up to 300 kilometers. Another key feature is its transportability via medium cargo aircraft, including the C-130. Precision is achieved through inertial navigation combined with GPS guidance, with some rocket variants offering alternative warheads or high-explosive payloads. In the future, HIMARS may also accommodate the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is under development for ranges exceeding 300 kilometers.

Italy’s interest for the M142 HIMARS stems from its deployment by various NATO and non-NATO operators and its demonstrated performance in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine, where the system’s ability to engage long-range targets with the GMLRS family and reposition rapidly has gained international recognition. (Picture source: Ukrainian StratCom)

Terrarm also announced a contract with Rheinmetall Italia for four Skynex very short-range anti-aircraft defense systems to protect forward operational bases, vital infrastructure, and deployed units from incoming projectiles. The initial purchase includes one containerized module, with options for three additional units if operational needs increase. The Documento Programmatico Pluriennale 2024–2026 projects a total of €400 million for the C-RAM program, emphasizing point protection. The Skynex system, as described in Rheinmetall catalogs, features a modular configuration that separates radar surveillance from effectors and integrates technologies from multiple manufacturers. It employs 35 mm programmable ammunition designed to resist electronic countermeasures. Skynex has been analyzed internationally as a solution to counter rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds within a limited engagement envelope.

Information about the broader Italian defense budget for 2023, along with projections for 2024 and 2025, was released in October 2023. Officials reported that Italy committed over €19.5 billion to the Ministry of Defense, with procurement allocations of about €6.1 billion, supplemented by €1.87 billion from an industry-focused ministry. This combined total of nearly €8 billion in procurement represents a gradual increase over previous years. Renewing and upgrading land warfare capacities has become a priority, partly influenced by lessons learned from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Plans include acquiring approximately 133 Leopard 2 A8 tanks, projected to cost €8.25 billion, and developing new armored fighting vehicles to replace the Dardo, potentially costing €15 billion. Additionally, €76 million has been allocated for drone swarm technologies, alongside significant investments in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a trilateral fighter initiative with the United Kingdom and Japan. Expenditures on GCAP reached approximately €271 million in 2023 and could total nearly €7.77 billion by 2037.

Italian Army sources have indicated that existing regiments, such as the 5th Field Artillery Regiment “Superga,” operate MLRS platforms. The new HIMARS systems may be distributed to other field artillery units, though official details are pending. The M270 MLRS systems currently in service received upgrades to fire GMLRS rockets from 2012 onward, with deliveries starting in 2011. Several earlier articles from Army Recognition suggest that the modernization of Italian artillery has accelerated, reflecting shifting strategic priorities. Examples of advanced rocket artillery performance in other conflicts have highlighted the value of extended-range precision fire, prompting Italy to allocate additional funds for related munitions and training.