Latvia signs $180 Mn HIMARS contract with US against future Russian threats.

On December 20, 2023, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds, representing the Latvian Ministry of Defence, signed a contract with the United States for the purchase of six M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) along with ATACMS missiles. This acquisition, valued at $179.8 million, is aimed at enhancing the military strength of the National Armed Forces of Latvia against future Russian threats.
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Latvia's decision to acquire HIMARS was influenced by its demonstrated effectiveness, as seen in Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion. (Picture source: US DoD)

The contract encompasses the M142 HIMARS rocket artillery systems, a substantial quantity of ammunition, and the procurement of long-range, high-precision ATACMS rockets. These additions are expected to significantly augment Latvia's firepower, positioning HIMARS as a key component in deterring aggression and maintaining the sovereignty of Latvia. Ambassador Robinson highlighted the deployment of these systems in Latvia as a significant indicator of the joint commitment of the United States and Latvia to defend every part of NATO territory.

Latvia's decision to acquire HIMARS was influenced by its demonstrated effectiveness, as seen in Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion. Latvia is slated to begin receiving the HIMARS systems from 2027, marking a notable upgrade in its military capabilities. This year, Latvia has further expanded its defense arsenal by signing contracts for the German IRIS-T SLM air defense system, valued at approximately 600 million euros, and the US Naval Strike Missile anti-ship system, estimated to cost $110 million.

Eastern European nations, particularly the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) and Poland, have given priority to acquiring HIMARS, driven by strategic and defense considerations related to the current Russian threats and insights from the conflict in Ukraine. The procurement of HIMARS is part of a larger initiative by these countries to modernize and reinforce their military capabilities, improve NATO interoperability, and bolster their defense postures in anticipation of potential Russian attacks as early as 2028, as indicated by the head of Poland's National Security Bureau (BBN). The Baltic States and Poland consider the HIMARS and ATACMS as effective deterrents, capable of increasing the challenges and costs for any potential Russian offensive.

The M142 HIMARS, especially when equipped with ATACMS missiles, has a range of about 300 km. This enables strikes deep into Russian territory; for instance, from the Estonian border, targets in St. Petersburg can be reached, and from Latvia, areas halfway to Moscow can be targeted. This long-range capability provides a significant tactical advantage, potentially countering any Russian invasion force well before it approaches the borders of the Baltic States.

Additionally, the United States plans to introduce a more advanced version of the HIMARS-launched rocket, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), with an extended range of approximately 500 km. If provided to regional allies like Latvia, this would further extend their defensive reach, potentially enabling strikes near important Russian locations, including the vicinity of Moscow.

Developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Army, the HIMARS is noted for its mobility, precision, and versatility. Its lightweight, wheeled design facilitates rapid deployment and transportation by aircraft such as the C-130, adding to its operational flexibility. Capable of employing a variety of munitions, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the M142 HIMARS can engage targets up to 300 km away. The M30 GMLRS, as the primary munition for HIMARS, employs GPS guidance for high accuracy, with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters under optimal conditions.

In 2023, the global sales of M142 HIMARS surpassed $12.5 billion, including transactions with Poland, Italy, Morocco, Australia, the Netherlands, and now Latvia. These sales, coupled with additional deliveries to Ukraine, demonstrate the system's increasing strategic significance in the global defense sector.