Lockheed Martin Doubles HIMARS Rocket Launcher Production Amid Global Demand for Precision Artillery.

On April 11, 2025, Lockheed Martin Europe announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that the company has successfully doubled the annual production rate of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), reaching 96 launcher vehicles per year. This dramatic increase in production underscores the system’s rising global demand, fueled largely by its battlefield success in Ukraine and the strategic realignment of military priorities among NATO allies and other defense partners.
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Australian Army's newly acquired High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers mark the nation's first land-based long-range missile capability, enhancing strike precision and operational reach. (Picture source: Australia MoD)

The American-made M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) rocket/missile launcher vehicle has proven to be a game-changer in modern warfare. Originally developed in the late 1990s as a lighter, more mobile variant of the M270 MLRS, the HIMARS gained global notoriety for its devastating precision and operational flexibility. Mounted on a 6x6 wheeled chassis, it can rapidly deploy, fire, and relocate—making it a highly survivable and effective long-range artillery asset. The platform is capable of launching six GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, with plans to transition to the new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system in the coming years.

The renewed surge in HIMARS production is directly tied to the system's operational effectiveness during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Since mid-2022, the U.S. and its allies have supplied Ukrainian forces with HIMARS systems as part of military aid packages. These systems quickly proved pivotal in altering the strategic landscape. Ukrainian troops used HIMARS to deliver highly accurate strikes on Russian logistics hubs, ammunition depots, and command centers—often located deep behind enemy lines. The ability to disrupt Russian supply lines without exposing Ukrainian troops to return fire has made HIMARS an indispensable part of Kyiv’s counter-offensive capabilities.

This battlefield effectiveness has not gone unnoticed. Several countries—including Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Australia—have accelerated procurement programs for HIMARS. Poland, in particular, is planning to purchase over 100 units, signaling a massive investment in deep-fire capabilities. Meanwhile, countries like Latvia, Lithuania, and Italy have recently signed contracts, and others, such as Canada, Bulgaria, and Morocco, are in discussions to follow suit. Lockheed Martin has also taken steps to enhance logistical support for its growing customer base by opening a HIMARS Sustainment Center in Romania to maintain and upgrade the systems in the European theater.

Beyond its proven track record in Ukraine, the HIMARS rocket/misssile launcher system also represents a strategic shift in modern militaries conducting deep fires and strike operations. Its relatively low logistical footprint compared to tracked systems and its compatibility with a variety of advanced munitions make it attractive for rapid deployment scenarios. Moreover, the ongoing development of extended-range guided rockets and the new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) promises to increase the system’s reach and lethality further, potentially allowing strikes beyond 500 kilometers.

The doubling of production also reflects Washington’s broader defense strategy, which increasingly emphasizes deterrence through precision and mobility. Lockheed Martin, under pressure to meet the growing volume of foreign military sales and replenish U.S. stockpiles, has ramped up investments in its manufacturing capacity. With this new production tempo, Lockheed aims not only to meet current demand but also to prepare for the strategic needs of allied forces facing evolving threats.

In summary, Lockheed Martin’s move to double HIMARS production directly responds to the system’s rising prominence on the global defense stage. Its performance in Ukraine has validated the system’s capabilities in high-intensity warfare, while its adaptability and technological potential continue to attract international customers. As military doctrines pivot toward precision, speed, and survivability, HIMARS stands as a flagship example of 21st-century battlefield effectiveness—marking a new era for artillery and deep-strike operations worldwide.